A Deadly Fate

Written by

Vicky L. Neal

3024 Apple Knoll Lane Middletown, Ohio 45044 (513) 539-0258 vickyneal5@yahoo.com http://www.vickylneal.com/

FADE IN:

INT. OLESON LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - 1869

Basic room - stone fireplace off to the side, card table andtwo chairs in the center, a couple of cabinets. Through anopen doorway, a set of stairs leads up to the second story.

At the table, FREDERIC OLESON (30s) a talented magician withan evil look about him, suave, handlebar moustache classicfor the time period, plays poker with a fellow MAGICIAN (40s),who has most of the money on the table in front of him.

The deck they play with contains basic cards, only Frederic'slikeness, dressed in full cape and top hat, adorns the backof every card.

Frederic takes a moment to examine the five cards in hishand. Seemingly satisfied, he tosses the rest of his cashinto the kitty.

With a confident leer, Magician matches the amount.

Frederic lays down his cards to reveal a full house, 5's and2's. He looks self-assured, like he knows he has won.

But Magician lays his hand on the table. Four Jacks. Heclaims the kitty, adding it to his already large pile ofmoney.

INT. OLESON DOWNSTAIRS HALL - NIGHT

Deck of cards in his hand, Frederic opens the door toMagician, who uses a cane to walk as he stops in the doorway.

MAGICIANLet's hope you are a much bettermagician than poker player. Wouldn'twant to lose my competition.

In response, Frederic tips his hat. The grin on his facesuggests the intended insult fails to bother him.

FREDERICCareful driving home, my friend. The roads can be treacherous at night.

2.

With a lighthearted smirk, Magician leaves. He heads to ahorse and buggy parked out front, climbs into the driver'sseat and drives off down the dirt road.

Frederic's grin transforms into a wicked smile as he closesthe door. His eyes turn to the cards in his hand. A redglow coming from their direction illuminates his face.

EXT. BASE OF HILL - DAY

Very steep with lots of shrubbery along the way. Magicianlies at the bottom, amongst the debris from a busted up buggy. He's dead, a broken wheel's spoke protruding through hischest. Blood soaks his shirt.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY - PRESENT DAY

A few students scattered about in-between classes.

INT. COLLEGE HALL - DAY - SAME

Students flood out of a classroom. Amongst them is LINDAPRESCOTT (21), glasses, no make-up, little fuss over herhair. A true "nerdy" look covering a bold interior dying toburst out.

Books in her arms, she goes unnoticed as her peers aroundher socialize.

TRACY HOWARD (21), preppy, lots of make-up and well donehair, expensive clothes, oozing family wealth, trots up toLinda.

TRACYHi, uh...

LINDALinda.

TRACYRight. Want to hang out this weekend?

LINDAWith you?

Tracy laughs, one of those giggling kind that lacks sincerity. It's done for show.

3.

TRACYOf course with me... and a few others.

LINDAI don't see why...

TRACYDo you want to or not? I'd think itwould be good for your image.

Linda considers a moment, then:

LINDAI guess so...

TRACYOf course you do. What other planscould you possibly have?

Linda stares.

TRACYBe at the Magic House by six.

LINDAMagic House?

TRACYYou know, that old house over onLanden. That's where we're spendingthe weekend. They're tearing itdown Monday so it's our last chanceto check it out.

She steps away, then turns back.

TRACYOh, bring a friend so you'll havesomeone to hang out with. And beer,or whatever it is you drink.

She bounces down the hall.

Linda clutches her books to her chest as she watches Tracygo.

4.

EXT. BACK STREET - DAY

An overstuffed backpack on her back, Linda walks with MIKELEONARD (22), similar nerdy appearance and very shy. Theycarry a cooler between them.

Each glances at the other as they walk, wanting to saysomething, but too shy to start. Finally:

MIKEMaybe we should have taken my car.

LINDAI don't mind walking. Really.

Mike looks at her longingly, an obvious interest that seemsto go unnoticed on Linda's part.

EXT. OLESON HOUSE - DAY

Two stories, a couple centuries old, ready to fall down,secluded off of a dirt road.

Chipped paint, rotted wood, broken windows, weeds in placeof grass, make this look like it's been abandoned for decades.

RON MORRISON (20), long hair, ear piercing, trouble with acapital T, stands out front. He wears a leather jacket andboots, holds a beer can in his hand.

Tracy is in his arms. They make out, hot and heavy.

A beat-up truck is parked off to the side. A nice car standsnext to it.

From the trunk, BRAD WESTLING (22), jock-type, letterman'sjacket, and KAREN ANDERS (21), cheerleader, removes a couplecases of beer.

Left inside are a couple of sleeping bags and duffels.

Linda and Mike arrive. They set down their cooler and catchtheir breath.

Brad eyes them with disapproval.

BRAD(quietly to Karen)

Who invited the geek squad?

5.

Karen giggles.

Brad and Karen carry their beer inside.

Linda and Mike wait to be acknowledged, but it looks like itcould be a long wait.

MIKEAre you sure we're in the right place?

Linda turns to him with a sigh.

LINDAAfraid so. Sorry.

MIKEWell, at least we have each other totalk to.

Ron pauses in the midst of kissing Tracy to sip from hisbeer.

At that moment, he notices the newest arrivals. Hisexpression shows he doesn't approve. The tone of his voiceevident that he couldn't care less if Linda and Mike hearhim.

RON(to Tracy)

What are the geeks doing here?

Linda and Mike share a look.

TRACYYou said to invite a variety ofpeople.

RONI meant a variety of COOL people.

TRACY(quietly)

It could be fun. We'll have someoneto laugh at.

Beaming with pride, Ron pulls her close.

RONI like how you think.

They kiss passionately.

6.

Linda and Mike carry their cooler up to them.

MIKEWhere, um... where should we putthis?

Ron breaks out of the kiss to look at him quizzically.

RONIn a tree. Where the fuck do youthink you should put it?

Mike hesitates, then leads Linda through the open doorway.

Ron shakes his head.

RONGeeks.

He finishes his beer.

INT. OLESON LIVING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Several cases of beer stand against the wall, along with afew unlit lanterns.

Brad and Karen, an arm around each other, head to the doorwayto exit. Mike and Linda stop on the other side. Bradilluminates at the sight of their cooler.

BRADHey! More beer.

LINDAActually, it's soda, and juice. Plus we brought some water, since wefigured...

She notices Brad and Karen staring, unable to believe whatthey hear.

LINDA... there wouldn't be any runningwater... in... the...

Linda stops short, uncomfortable with how the others look ather.

7.

BRAD(to Karen)

I told you they were geeks.

Brad and Karen pass by the new arrivals as they leave thehouse.

Mike turns to Linda.

MIKEWhy are we here again?

LINDAI think we're the entertainment.

They laugh, although they really don't find this funny.

INT. OLESON LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Two burning lanterns illuminate the room. The six occupantsare spread out on blankets and sleeping bags, drinkingheavily. Beer for most, except Linda and Mike drink sodaand juice.

Their open cooler stands near them, full cans of juice andbottles of water scattered around it while many cans of beertake their place in the ice.

Sipping her juice, Linda makes a bitter face.

LINDA(quietly to Mike)

It's warm.

With a look over to their drinks lying on the floor:

MIKEYeah. No wonder.

Ron finishes off a beer and grows restless.

RONHey, Brad. Want to take me on?

He holds out his arm in arm wrestling position. Brad rollsup his sleeve.

BRADYou're on.

8.

Ron and Brad lie on the floor on their stomachs and locktheir hands together. Brad's face twists with discomfort ashe lifts his elbow.

BRADOw. The floor is too hard.

RONCall 1-800-who-gives-a-fuck.

BRADGot a phone?

Ron pulls a cell phone from his pocket and slides it to Brad.

RONThere.

Brad smirks. He tosses the phone back to Ron.

BRADI got my own, thanks.

RONThen why did ya` ask?

Tracy slips part of a sleeping bag beneath their elbows.

TRACYHere.

Brad and Ron get back in position and begin their battle. Each holds their own equally well.

KARENThis is gonna be a long one.

She gets to her feet.

KARENCome on, girls. Let's go pick outour bedrooms.

She grabs a lantern and heads to the doorway.

Tracy and Linda, both appearing a little unsure of the plan,stand.

LINDAI don't think that's a good idea.

9.

Karen stops in the doorway.

KARENThen we'll get the best rooms.

Tracy looks to Linda, slightly worried about the situation,but she joins Karen anyway. They wait.

Linda somehow musters the courage and goes to them. Thegirls leave.

Ron and Brad exert great force into the challenge. Theirfaces show just how hard each is trying to win. But theirhands remain at twelve o'clock.

Mike couldn't care less about the testosterone fest. Hewatches the doorway where the girls have gone as he chugs awarm soda.

FIRST FLOOR HALL

Karen, lantern in hand, leads the way upstairs. Tracy andLinda follow close behind. Steps CREAK with each step.

SNAP. Tracy's foot goes through a rotted step, all the wayto her knee. She cries out in terror and pain.

Karen sets down her lantern and assists Linda in pullingtheir companion out of the hole. A difficult task. Just asTracy comes free of the hole--

Mike runs to the steps.

MIKEAre you girls okay?

Tracy's pantleg is torn, but she's able to put weight on herfoot without incident.

KARENYeah. Be careful on these steps.

She grabs her lantern and leads the way. Following her,Tracy hobbles a bit on her injured leg.

Linda passes a look back at Mike as she trails after them.

UPSTAIRS HALL

Four closed or semi-closed doors. Some barely hanging ontheir hinges.

10.

Karen uses the light to skim each room they come to. Threebedrooms and a bathroom. All in terrible condition andfilthy.

Linda sneezes.

LINDAI'm allergic to dust.

KARENNot a good thing to be allergic toright now.

TRACYMaybe we should just sleep downstairs. What if we fall through the floor?

KARENFloors are made sturdier than stairs.

Tracy and Linda head for the stairs. Something off to theside catches Linda's eye. Torn wallpaper.

LINDALook.

Tracy looks, but doesn't see anything unusual in the limitedlight.

TRACYWhat?

Karen brings the lantern closer. Linda peels back thewallpaper to reveal a door. Karen opens it. A set of stairsleads to an attic.

LINDADo you think we should...

TRACYUh-uh.

KARENCome on, ladies. Maybe there'svaluables up there, and they're allours since the boys are so boring.

She carefully treks up the steps.

Tracy and Linda watch. Linda finally goes after her.

11.

The area around Tracy growing darker as the lantern movesfurther away, she's not left with a choice. She trails theother girls, takes each step with extra caution.

ATTIC

Very dirty with some boxes, broken pieces of wood from therafters, and a trunk.

Floorboards CREAK as the girls cross them. Karen holds thelantern above a box as she goes through it.

She pulls out a very old, worn picture of Frederic - dressedin classic magician's attire for the 1800s: the dark clothing,cape and top hat.

On stage, he holds a live pigeon in his hand.

KARENWould you look at that.

Tracy and Linda come to her sides for a look.

KARENIt's Frederic Oleson.

TRACYWow. He looks really old.

LINDAThe picture's old, not him.

TRACYNo, he looks old, too. Why is hedressed funny?

LINDAThat's what a magician wore in hisday.

Karen takes the light over to the old, beaten up wooden trunk. A lock secures the lid. She pulls at it, but the lock remainsin tact.

Linda grabs a broken piece of wood and holds it out to Karen.

LINDATry this.

Karen sets down the lantern. She uses the wood to pry openthe lock with relative ease in its deteriorated condition.

12.

Outside, a clap of THUNDER and flash of lightning capturesthe girls' attention.

TRACYIt's not supposed to rain, is it?

Linda shakes her head.

Another flash of lightning holds their attention, but thenit stops as quickly as it started.

The girls, still worried, turn back to the trunk. Tracyopens the CREAKING lid.

Inside are some ancient magic tricks, as well as a blackcape and top hat. Tracy puts on the hat.

TRACYHow do I look?

Karen and Linda giggle at her appearance.

KARENStupid.

TRACYWell...

She grabs the cape and drapes it around her shoulders, tiesa knot in the cord to secure it.

TRACY... I just need the cape to completethe ensemble.

LINDANice.

Karen rummages through the magic tricks - a bird cage, wand,artificial flower bouquet, package of coins, metal milkcontainer, and a wooden box the size of a card deck.

LIVING ROOM

Mike sits slumped back against a wall, bored.

Ron and Brad continue to arm wrestle, neither having gainedany ground on the other. Both look exhausted.

Mike grabs a beer from the cooler.

13.

MIKEWho wants the last beer?

Ron lets up his guard to whirl in his direction.

RONIt's mine!

Brad takes his arm over to the floor. Victory at last.

BRADI win.

RONHey.

Brad stands, stretches his legs.

BRADYou snooze, you lose.

Mike tosses the beer to Ron.

MIKEThere's your consolation prize.

Ron sits up, looks over at the few whole cases of beer offto the side.

RONYou liar.

MIKEIt was the last beer... inside thecooler.

Ron seems okay with this.

RONOh.

He pops the top and guzzles.

Mike shakes his head at Ron's lower intelligence.

ATTIC

Karen looks through the various magic items.

14.

KARENWow. It's hard to believe theseancient tricks could fool anyone.

LINDAWe're talking more than a centuryago. Things were different.

TRACYYeah. You could run around in asheet and convince people you were aghost.

LINDAThat's not true.

TRACYYes, it is. People were stupid backthen.

LINDASome still are.

Tracy points the wand at Linda. She looks like a magicianattempting to put a curse on her opponent.

TRACYCareful or I shall turn you into atoad.

KARENI think that would be a bigimprovement.

Tracy and Karen laugh. Linda stiffens.

Someone closes in on the girls from behind. A hand goes toKaren's shoulder. She nearly jumps out of her skin.

It's Ron. He bursts out laughing. Mike and Brad wait behindhim, not nearly as amused with the immature prank.

RONYou should have seen your face.

KARENYou shit!

She shoves Ron. He continues to laugh.

Brad intercepts Karen before she can attack again.

15.

BRADCalm down.

Mike steps forward for a look at the trunk.

MIKEWhat did you girls find?

TRACYMagic shit.

She models the outfit for Mike. He watches, somewhatentranced by her sexiness that even shows through the costume.

TRACYHow do I look?

The green-eyed monster makes an appearance in Ron. He shovesMike out of the way as he joins Tracy.

RONYou look hot, babe. No matter whatyou wear... or don't wear.

Tracy gives him a kiss of gratitude.

BRADIt's getting pretty boring downstairs. Are there any games in there?

TRACYIt's a magician's trunk, not a toybox.

KARENLooks like there might be some cards.

RONI feel a game of strip poker comingon.

He grabs the wooden box and opens it. Inside, Frederic'sdeck of cards from opening scene, still in very goodcondition. A note is taped inside the lid.

LINDAWhat does the note say?

Ron rips out the note.

16.

RON(reading)

Beware the hands of fate.(normal tone)

What the fuck does that mean?

MIKESounds like a warning.

LINDAMaybe we should leave them alone.

RONIt's a deck of cards for crying outloud.

He pulls out the cards and shuffles them.

RONNow, who's ready to play?

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The group sits in a circle on the floor, Tracy still dressedin the magician's outfit. Ron, Tracy, Brad, and Karen drinkbeer.

Ron reaches into the cooler of melting ice and pulls out abeer can he tosses to Mike.

RONIf you're gonna play an adult game,you got to drink an adult brew.

He tosses another to Linda. She exchanges a questioninglook with Mike, who shrugs.

Each opens his or her beer and sips from it. Their bitterexpressions indicate they don't care much for it.

Ron shuffles the cards. A sudden wind blows through theroom, even though the only window is closed. Everyone looksaround for the source.

BRADWhat the hell?

Linda hugs herself. You can feel the sudden chill that sweepsdown her spine.

17.

LINDAIt's cold.

RONJust your imagination, but that'swhy I love hanging out here. It'screepy.

As he deals five cards to each person:

KARENSo they're tearing it down Monday?

RONI guess there's too many losers thathang out around here.

Tracy playfully nudges him.

TRACYYou got that right.

RONAnd proud of it.

Mike picks up his cards as he receives them.

BRAD(to Tracy)

Take off the outfit.

TRACYWhy?

BRADIt gives you an unfair advantage. You girls already have one up on usguys with bras.

KAREN(giggling)

I don't.

Brad plants a lustful kiss on her lips.

Tracy removed the hat and cape.

Karen waits until she has two cards, picks them up, thenaccumulates the last three before grabbing them.

18.

Tracy scoops up her cards as soon as all five are dealt toher.

Brad picks up his cards next.

Linda holds back, staring at her cards like she's afraid totouch them.

TRACYWhat's wrong?

LINDAI just don't think we should be doingthis.

RON(teasing)

Scared?

Linda can barely look at him, or anyone else. This makesher very uncomfortable.

RONHey, you got a hot bod under theresomewhere. Don't be afraid to showit off.

KARENBesides, you might win. Then youdon't have to worry.

Linda reluctantly picks up her cards.

MONTAGE - THE GAME

-- First round - mostly shoes and some socks go into thepot. Karen wins the hand.

-- Second round - shirts come off, except for Karen. Ronand Mike take off theirs without hesitation. Tracy has noproblem removing her top, adding it to the pot.

Karen plays with articles she has won. Linda hesitates. Karen nudges her.

With great reluctance, Linda removes her top and adds it tothe pile. Brad and Ron hoot and holler over her doing so. Brad wins the hand.

-- Third round - pants and shorts go into the pot for thosewithout a "win" pile. Tracy wins the hand.

19.

END MONTAGE

INT. OLESON LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Each player holds five cards. Linda, Mike, and Ron are downto their underwear. Many empty beer cans litter the floor. Very little of the beer stash is left.

Mike tosses down two cards. Ron, a lit cigarette hangingfrom his lips, deals him two. Linda wants three. Tracygets one card. The others hold what they have.

BRADI'll bet one pair of underwear.

He slides off his briefs and tosses them to the center.

TRACYBut you have other things to playwith.

Ron and Brad laugh.

BRADI needed to air things out.

TRACY(disgusted)

Oooohhh.

Karen leans in to her.

KARENDon't "ooooh" him until you see ifyou should.

Brad gives her a kiss of gratitude for the compliment.

TRACYI'm in.

She throws in a pair of shorts from her pile. Veryinebriated, she giggles.

Karen giggles as well.

KARENMe, too.

She adds a shirt from her pile to the pot.

20.

Mike slowly removes his boxers, trying his best to keep"things" hidden from everyone by crossing his legs.

RONBoxers? What are you trying to hide,man?

Everyone laughs, except for Mike and Linda. They pass eachother uneasy glances.

Ron's turn. He slips off his briefs with the coolness of astripper, twirls them on his finger, then flings them to thepile.

Tracy enjoys the sight.

TRACYWoo, baby! Dinner and a show.

RONExcept there's no dinner.

KAREN(joking)

And not much of a show.

All but Mike and Linda laugh.

Everyone's eyes go to Linda. She swallows hard, exhilaratedwhile at the same time, scared to death.

RONWant some help?

Linda reaches behind her to her bra's hooks. She's on theverge of unhooking it when she suddenly retrieves the clothingshe has taken off from various piles.

RONHey! We're not done.

LINDA(standing)

I am.

Clutching her clothing to her, she rushes into the hall anddisappears toward the back of the house.

Mike retrieves his boxers and shorts, puts them on.

21.

RONYou're leaving, too?

Mike flees the room in silence, going the same way Lindadid.

RONI knew inviting geeks to a party wasa big mistake.

Those left behind snicker.

KITCHEN

Broken counters and cabinets. Pieces clutter the flooramongst piles of dirt.

Linda puts on the last of her clothes as Mike enters.

MIKEAre you all right?

Linda battles tears, feigns a smile.

LINDAI'm fine... although I'm a littleembarrassed now.

MIKENot as embarrassed as you would havebeen if you hadn't left.

LINDATrue.

MIKEHey, do you want to share a roomwith me tonight?

Linda glares.

MIKE(nervous)

I don't mean... I'll be a perfectgentleman.

Linda smiles shyly.

22.

INT. OLESON LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Abandoned. The deck of cards lies on the floor, a perfectstack. The top card glows red.

FIRST BEDROOM

Karen and Brad sleep huddled together on a sleeping bag.

SECOND BEDROOM

Mike and Linda sleep in two separate bags near each other.

THIRD BEDROOM

Empty beer cans strewn about. Moonlight streams insidethrough a broken window. An unlit flashlight lies off tothe side.

Tracy sleeps peacefully. Ron also sleeps, but snores ratherloudly. One of the playing cards materializes on top of hischest - 3 of Diamonds.

Ron snorts. The constricted breathing causes him to awaken.

It takes him a few moments to get his bearings. When hesits, the card flutters into his lap, grabbing his attention. He picks it up, then flips it over.

Before our eyes, the illustration of Frederic morphs intoone of Ron hanging from a tree by a rope around his neck.

Ron blinks a few times. The image remains. Ron shrugs itoff and tosses aside the card.

In dire need to urinate, Ron holds a hand to his crotch ashe staggers to his feet. He grabs the flashlight, turns iton, and leaves the room.

BATHROOM

Instinctively, Ron flips the lightswitch as he enters. Nothing happens. He uses the flashlight to locate the toiletand unzips with his free hand.

But he holds back. At the bottom of the broken toilet bowlis an opening in the floor, leading into the kitchen below.

23.

Ron shrugs, then prepares to go anyway. His conscienceprevents him from carrying out his plan. Frustrated, hezips up and leaves the room.

EXT. OLESON HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Large and open. Two pieces of rope dangle from a tree branch -remnants of a child's swing. The rotted plank hangs fromone rope, broken off from the other.

Ron stumbles outside through the back door. He unzips nextto the swing and urinates on the tree. A loud, long STREAM. He nearly dozes while he goes.

Next to him, the free rope lifts on its own. It moves towardhis head, just like a snake. Ron is oblivious.

The rope crosses the front of his neck, without touching it,and starts for the back.

At that moment, Ron spots the rope. His eyes widen inpreparation to flee. Only the rope quickly wraps his neck afew times and prevents him from moving.

Ron struggles to free the rope. A hopeless cause. He chokesinstantly.

On the branch above, the portion of rope secured to the limbrotates like a pulley, wrapping the rope tighter and tighter.

Ron's feet leave the ground. His eyes bulge as life drainsfrom his body.

EXT. OLESON HOUSE - DAY

Karen rummages through the glove compartment of Brad's car.

Linda and Tracy leave the house. Tracy appears worried, hereyes looking around her the whole way.

Karen turns to the girls, a candy bar in her hand.

KARENYou guys want a bite?

TRACYHave you seen Ron?

24.

KARENNot since last night. Why?

TRACYHe was gone when I woke up.

KARENHave you looked out back?

TRACYGood idea.

Arms folded, she heads to the backyard.

Karen takes a bite of the candy bar.

Brad and Mike join the girls.

BRADWhat's going on?

O.S. Tracy's shocked SCREAM rings out.

The others race to the--

BACKYARD

-- and come to an instant stop behind a hysterical Tracy.

Ron hangs lifeless from the tree, several feet from theground. His skin is pale.

Karen and Linda scream. Each clings to her male companion. Karen looks away from the horrid sight.

BRADFuck.

LATER

Ron's body lies on the ground. A PHOTOGRAPHER snaps pictures. The CORONER (50s), rubber gloves, finishes his examination.

DETECTIVE DAN BLEVINS (30), a hard-nosed junior cop lackingany sense of humor whatsoever, joins the coroner.

CORONERLooks like suicide, Detective Blevins. I'll do an autopsy to make sure, ofcourse, but there's nothingsuspicious.

25.

DANThanks, Bill.

The coroner removes his gloves as he strides around to thefront.

Dan looks over the body as close as he can without touching. Something doesn't set right with him.

A DETECTIVE moves to his side.

DETECTIVESuicide?

DANIt appears that way.

His eyes scan up the free rope to the tree limb it hangsfrom, the rope's top section wrapped around it too many times. Then he surveys all other limbs in the area.

DANHow did he get up there?

The detective scans the lower tree limbs as well.

DETECTIVEMaybe he was a real good climber.

DANThere would be much easier ways forhim to hang himself.

DETECTIVENo chair or anything to stand on. Doesn't make sense.

Dan tears away his attention from the scene and heads to the--

FRONT

-- where police officers and detectives come and go fromthe house. A coroner's wagon waits.

Tracy's distraught group stands together off to the side,being questioned by a UNIFORMED OFFICER. Tracy is unable tospeak. Karen holds her close.

Dan stops to look over at the victim's friends.

Linda notices and stares in return.

26.

DETECTIVE #2, rubber gloves on his hands, hustles up to Danwith an evidence bag. Inside, the deck of cards.

DETECTIVE #2Dan, I found these in the livingroom.

Dan peers through the plastic at the deck.

DANAnd?

DETECTIVE #2Looks like the kids were playingwith them.

Dan waits for more.

DETECTIVE #2Well, I thought maybe they were somekind of evidence.

DANTo what, Hansen? The death appearsto be suicide. What do you want toprove? That Ron was having a goodtime before he took his life?

Detective #2 is left speechless.

DANHere...

He snatches the bag.

DAN... I'll drop it off at the stationlater. Maybe the late shift guyswill want something to play with.

He tosses the bag into the back seat of his new car parkednearby.

Detective #2 fails to understand sarcasm.

DETECTIVE #2G-good idea, Dan.

Dan rolls his eyes.

27.

As the questioning officer leaves the witnesses, Dan takeshis spot.

DANYou guys holding up?

Karen pulls Tracy closer, nods.

DANCan you think of any reason whyMorrison would want to kill himself?

BRADThat's what you think he did?

DANWhy? Are you saying someone herekilled him?

Realizing the blunder he just made, Brad recoils. Hisfriends, except for Tracy, shoot him warning looks. Tearsroll down Tracy's face.

Dan notices.

DANSorry. I would just like to havesomething more to tell his parents. Any thoughts?

MIKEHe was fine last night.

BRADYeah. This whole party was his idea.

DANDoesn't sound like someone planningto take his life, unless he wantedan audience for it.

The group exchanges looks.

DANYou're free to go. We have yournumbers in case there are any furtherquestions.

The five civilians climb into Brad's car. It backs out anddrives down the road.

28.

Dan climbs behind the wheel of his vehicle and drives awayfrom the scene.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

A small crowd stands before a casket over an open grave. Ron's PARENTS cry. Ron's friends huddle together in theback.

A PRIEST stands by the casket, closes the Bible in his hands.

PRIESTThat concludes our service today.Ron's family wishes to thank all ofyou for attending. It's comfortingfor them to know he had such caringfriends.

The group disperses. The friends step off to the side tospeak alone.

MIKEI can't believe he's gone.

LINDAHow are you holding up, Tracy?

Even though it's obvious Tracy is devastated and could faintany moment, she somehow manages a grin.

TRACYI'll be okay.

BRAD(to Linda)

We'll drive her home.

Tracy, Karen, and Brad head to the cars parked on the road.

LINDASee you in class tomorrow.

Mike slides an arm around Linda and leads her toward thecars.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

Busy with students leaving late classes.

29.

Mike leaves one of the buildings, books in hand. He spotsLinda sitting on a bench, reading a book. He takes a momentto compose himself, then approaches.

Linda is so caught up in the book that she fails to notice.

MIKEMust be some book.

Linda looks up. With a chuckle, she places a bookmark betweenthe pages of her book and closes it.

LINDANot really, but I have a 20 pagereport due next week. I got behind,with Ron's funeral and all. So,what are you up to this weekend?

MIKEI'm getting ready to leave. It's myparents' twentieth anniversary. Everyone will be there.

LINDABe careful.

MIKEI will.

There's something more he wants to say, but has troublefinding the right words. Linda waits with anticipation. Finally:

MIKEI was thinking, well, that maybenext weekend, we could go to a movieor something.

LINDASure. I've been in the market for abest friend. You're perfect for thejob.

Mike stares. He wants to be so much more than a best friendto her, but Linda doesn't notice.

Linda opens her book and starts to read. She senses Mike'sstaring and looks his way.

LINDAIs there something else...

30.

MIKE(hesitating)

No. I'll, uh, see you when I getback Sunday night.

LINDAOkay. Have fun.

She returns to reading.

Mike watches her just a little longer before he tears himselfaway to head to the dorms.

EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - DAY

A one-story with two car attached garage, nestled in a middle-class neighborhood. Cars fill the driveway and line thestreet on both sides in front of the house.

Mike parks in front of a neighbor's house. He grabs a largeduffel from the trunk and walks up the sidewalk.

MIKE'S MOM (40s), dressed nicely, opens the door just beforeMike arrives. She illuminates over seeing Mike and embraceshim tightly. They step into the house and close the door.

INT. DAN'S CAR - PARKED - NIGHT

In the police precinct parking lot. The bag of magic cardsstill lies on the back seat, number side down.

The top card glows red.

INT. MIKE'S ENTRY - NIGHT

MIKE'S DAD (40s), dressed in a suit, sees many guests out asthey leave. His wife stays by his side. Mike watches fromthe b.g.

When all guests are gone:

MIKE'S MOM(to Mike)

Are you sure you don't mind us goingout for a drink?

Mike places his hands on her shoulders.

31.

MIKEIt's your anniversary. Have a goodtime and don't worry about me. I'lljust watch a little TV and turn in.

MIKE'S MOMWe shouldn't be too late.

She leaves with her husband.

EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Most cars are gone or in the process of leaving.

Inside the open garage, Mike's parents climb into one of twocars. The vehicle backs out and drives down the street. The large door closes behind it.

INT. MIKE'S KITCHEN - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Open to a large family room with a breakfast bar between thetwo rooms. A TV remote lies on the bar. Next to it is oneof Frederic's cards, the Jack of Clubs.

Mike trudges inside. He goes for the remote, stops with hishand around it when he spots the card. He picks it upinstead.

He turns over the card. The image of Frederic morphs intoone of Mike, clutching his throat as he appears to be dying. A skull and crossbones stands off to the side.

Mike blinks purposely a few times. Is this real? He pitchesthe card into the trashcan.

But as he walks away, his eyes fail to move from thereceptacle. He's more than a little concerned.

He opens the refrigerator, removes a soda and pops the topas he turns to the nearest counter.

On it lies the same card, image side up. Mike stops in histracks. He takes a look around him. No one there.

Mike sets down the soda and shoves the card into the bottomof the trash where it's no longer seen.

32.

Satisfied, he grabs the soda and prepares to drink, butsomething causes him to stop. His eyes turn to the trashcan,then back to the can he holds.

He dumps out the liquid contents into the sink.

INT. MIKE'S FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT

The inner garage door is to the back.

Mike sits on the sofa, remote in hand. He flips throughchannels on the TV and stops on a music video. He bouncesto the beat and turns up the sound so it's almost deafening.

Unnoticed by Mike, his card materializes next to him.

IN THE GARAGE

Although the remaining car's ignition is void of keys, itsomehow turns on its own. The car RUMBLES to life.

Fumes from the exhaust already start to fill the air insidethe confined area.

INT. FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT

Still watching music videos, Mike grows drowsy. He nodsoff, then startles awake. This happens a couple of timesbefore he turns off the volume and stands.

Just now does he notice the card lying next to him.

Growing more and more frustrated over this apparent prank,he grabs the card and attempts to rip it. The card seemsimpervious. Mike wads it up and flings it across the room.

On his way to the kitchen, he hears the faint RUMBLE of thecar running.

Curious, he opens the inner garage door and looks out. Thecar is barely visible in the midst of thick exhaust flumes.

Mike instantly coughs. Arm across his nose and mouth, hebraves the fumes to charge inside.

Before our eyes, the card mysteriously unfolds. No creasesleft visible, it looks like brand new.

33.

GARAGE

Mike attempts to open the driver's door of the car, but it'slocked, even though the inner lock is up. He races aroundto the passenger side and tries that door. Locked as well.

FAMILY ROOM

Mike staggers inside from the garage, choking on the carbonmonoxide. His breathing, when he manages a breath, is raspy.

Only the inner door stands open, allowing more of the gas todrift inside. Mike grabs the knob and pulls on the door,but it refuses to budge.

KITCHEN

Mike grips objects he comes to just to remain standing as hemoves to the rear patio doors.

He unlocks them and attempts to slide one open, but it remainsclosed. No amount of effort Mike puts into opening it makesany difference.

He grabs a chair and smashes it against the glass. Nothinghappens. Another feeble effort in his weakening conditionresults in a broken chair instead of shattered glass.

ENTRY

Mike somehow makes it to the door. The fumes are now evidentall around him. He tries his hardest to open the door. Itremains sealed closed by some invisible force.

The gas overcomes Mike. He slides down the wall to the floor,where he fights just to breathe. The breaths grow moredesperate, and slower.

The card materializes on his chest, picture side up. Mike'sweary eyes go to his image on the object, then close forgood. He takes in his last breath.

Once he's dead, the card fades from sight.

GARAGE

The car's ignition mysteriously shuts off.

34.

EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

The same police drill as with Ron's death. Officers,detectives, coroner, and photographer.

Several neighbors watch the proceedings from a safe distance. The garage door stands open, the single car still inside.

A covered body lies on the lawn.

Dan waits impatiently, takes a glance at his watch.

A team of EPA MEN are on the scene, in official uniform. Two wait outside.

Two others leave the house, gas masks lowered around theirnecks. They hold handheld carbon monoxide detectors.

EPA MAN(to Dan)

It's safe now.

Dan nods. He enters the house with several officers anddetectives in tow.

INT. MIKE'S ENTRY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Dan puts on a pair of gloves as he wanders down the hall,into the--

KITCHEN

A look around him fails to reveal anything unusual, exceptthe empty soda can on the sink. He picks it up and shakesit for a moment.

Dan sets down the can and opens a few drawers. In one, hefinds a car key on a ring and holds it before his face.

INT. MIKE'S FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT

Dan enters. Nothing unusual there, either. He opens theinner garage door and steps into the--

GARAGE

He inspects the car. Now the driver's door opens easily. No key in the ignition.

35.

Detective #2 spots Dan from outside the garage and enters.

DETECTIVE #2The parents are doing all right atthe hospital.

DANHow could they be, after findingtheir son like this?

Detective #2 looks away, swallows nervously. He forces hisattention back to Dan.

DETECTIVE #2You think it's suicide?

DANCould be. Things just don't add up,though.

He searches around the car's driver's seat, beside it,underneath.

DETECTIVE #2What are you looking for?

DANThe key. His parents had one onthem and the spare was in the kitchendrawer, like they said. Yet someonestarted this car.

DETECTIVE #2Maybe Leonard returned the key beforedropping over.

DANAnd why would he go to the trouble?

Satisfied over his failed search, Dan closes the door andgoes to the driver's side. He performs the same search aroundthat seat.

INT. LINDA'S DORM ROOM - DAY

Two of everything - beds, desks, dressers, closets. Onlyone TV, though.

36.

Linda works at a computer on her desk. A book open next toher, she types a report. She sits back, removes her glassesand rubs her tired eyes.

The door flies open. FEMALE STUDENT appears panicked.

FEMALE STUDENTLinda, have you heard?

Linda puts on her glasses.

LINDAHeard what?

Female Student steps further inside. She hesitates, as shedoesn't know how to deliver the horrible news.

FEMALE STUDENTIt's Mike.

Linda's eyes widen with worry.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

Another funeral takes place. Mike's mom sobs uncontrollably. Her husband does his best to console her in his own shakenstate of mind. Many others cry.

Linda, Tracy, Brad, and Karen sit together in the back row.

The same priest concludes the ceremony. People disperse.

Dan approaches. He slows upon seeing the four studentsheading his way.

DANI know this is a bad time, but Ihave some questions I need answered.

(to Linda)You knew Mike well, didn't you?

LINDASort of, I guess.

DANAre you returning to campus?

LINDAYeah.

37.

DANI can drive you back, if you don'tmind. We can talk on the way.

LINDA(to companions)

I'll see you guys later.

Brad, Karen, and Tracy head to Brad's car parked on the road.

Dan leads Linda toward his car down from theirs. He opensthe passenger door and Linda slides into the seat. Dan getsin behind the wheel and drives away.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY

Dan and Linda sit in silence. Finally:

DANSo, how long did you know him?

LINDAA few months. He was in a couple ofmy classes.

DANWere you dating?

Linda smiles.

LINDANo, but I think he always wanted toask me out. He was just on the shyside.

DANWas there anything going on with himrecently, anything that would makehim take his life?

LINDAMaybe you should ask his parents.

DANI already did. They hadn't seen himfor a few months so they couldn'thelp much there.

38.

LINDAMike seemed perfectly fine, well,for him.

She looks off, deep in thought.

LINDATwo suicides in barely a week. AndI knew both. I just can't believethis is happening.

DANDid something happen at that house? That's when it all seems to havestarted.

LINDANo, nothing I can think of that woulddepress two people enough to makethem suicidal.

DANSo something DID happen though.

Linda looks away, too embarrassed to make eye contact withhim. Eyes straight ahead:

LINDAThey wanted to play strip poker. Ithought maybe if I played...

DANThey might accept you into theirlittle clique.

Linda passes him a quick glance.

LINDAYeah.

DANBut...

LINDAI couldn't go through with it, notall the way. I'm sure they werehaving a good laugh after I ran out. Except for Mike. He came to checkon me.

39.

DANWhat else happened?

LINDANothing. We found the attic, andsome old magic stuff stored in atrunk. That's where we got the cardsto play poker.

Dan glances to his back seat, where the baggie of cards lies.

DANI forgot all about those.

Linda stares at the cards, a glimmer of fear in her eyes.

LINDAI don't know why, but they give methe creeps.

DANProbably because of the strip poker.

Linda turns forward.

LINDAI guess.

Dan glimpses back at the cards, a touch of suspicion showingthrough his expression.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

Dan parks in front of Linda's dorm building.

INT./EXT. DAN'S CAR - PARKED - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda exhales a deep breath, then turns to Dan with a grin.

LINDAThank you for the ride, Detective.

DANIt's Dan.

Linda smiles. A possible attraction brewing between thetwo?

40.

Dan pulls a business card from his pocket and hands it toher.

DANIf you think of anything, give me acall.

LINDAI will.

She steps out of the car. On her way to the building, sheturns to look back.

Dan watches her with obvious interest.

Linda grows shy and picks up her pace to the building. Shedisappears inside.

Dan drives away.

INT. DORM HALL - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda leans back against the wall just inside and bites herbottom lip. Her thoughts go with Dan.

She trots up the steps nearby.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Dan is focused straight ahead on the road, although there'sa slight lost look in his eyes. He thinks about Linda.

In the back seat, the top card on the deck glows red.

EXT. SORORITY HOUSE - DAY

After Mike's funeral. Brad drives, Karen seated next tohim. Tracy in the back. The car parks on the street outfront.

INT./EXT. BRAD'S CAR - PARKED - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Tracy climbs out and waits.

Karen appears very sad. Brad strokes her hair.

41.

BRADDo you want me to stay?

KARENNah. You'd better get to practiceor you'll be benched.

BRADI'll call you when I get back home.

Karen nods. Brad gives her a gentle, loving kiss.

BRADLove you.

KARENLove you.

Karen leaves the car. She watches with Tracy as Brad's cardisappears down the road.

TRACYYou're lucky.

Karen places an arm around Tracy's shoulders.

KARENI know it hurts, but it'll get betterwith time.

TRACYI can't even think about that rightnow.

(beat)Want to hang out? I don't feel likebeing alone.

KARENThe girls are gone to this chaptermeeting. I think I'll soak for awhile and enjoy the quiet. But I'llgive you a call later. We can dodinner and a movie.

TRACYOkay.

As she walks away:

TRACYSee ya`.

42.

Head hung low, Tracy continues down the sidewalk, a brokenmess inside.

Karen isn't doing much better. With a solemn appearance,she rummages through her purse as she steps up to the door.

Unable to find what she's looking for right away, she opensher purse wide and looks inside.

She pulls out a house key, but something else inside demandsher attention.

One of the magic cards. Karen pulls it out. 8 of Hearts. She turns it over to look at the back.

The image of Frederic morphs before her eyes - into an imageof Karen lying on the floor. The handle of a knife sticksout of her chest with blood everywhere.

Karen's troubled eyes look up.

INT. SORORITY HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY

Karen paces with a cordless phone to her ear. It RINGS and RINGS on the other end.

The magic card lies number side up on the table.

EXT. COLLEGE FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY - SAME

Football players, including Brad, practice under the guidanceof several coaches.

On the sideline, scattered belongings of the players' lie onthe benches and ground. A cell phone within Brad's belongingsRINGS and RINGS.

INT. SORORITY HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Karen grows more agitated at the ringing. Finally:

BRAD (O.S.)(filtered)

Hello...

KAREN(into phone)

Brad, thank God...

43.

BRAD (O.S.)(filtered)

... this is Brad. I am unable totake your call, but if you leave amessage, I'll get back to you.

BEEP.

Karen sighs. She lowers the phone, ready to hang up, butsuddenly places it back to her ear.

KARENBrad, it's me. Something reallyweird's going on. I found one ofthose cards from the magic house inmy purse... I'm on it. There's aknife...

She stops short, unable to say any more about it.

KARENPlease call me as soon as you getthis.

She clicks off the phone. Its base hangs on the wall, abovea wood block full of knives and a bottle of dish-washingsoap.

Karen goes to hang up the phone. The base falls from thewall and knocks over the bottle of soap so the spout hangsoff the edge of the counter.

It drips soap to the floor at Karen's feet.

The phone itself topples into the wood block and tips it. Knives spill from the block, scattered around the counter.

Karen steps back, startled. Her eyes lock on the knives. She holds a hand over her throbbing heart.

After a moment to compose herself, Karen chuckles over thesituation. She boldly stands up the soap bottle and woodblock, starts to return the knives to their correct spots.

Her shoes slip on the soap. She grabs at the counter as shegoes down, an attempt to save herself from a nasty fall.

Instead, her fingers pull at the knives still lying on thecounter.

44.

Karen crashes to the floor on her back, her head taking anasty bump against the tile. Her eyes looking straight up,she sees something that terrifies her.

A large knife teeters on the edge of the counter. It plungesdownward--

Karen's mouth opens to scream. Too late. The knife piercesher chest, the entire blade entering. Blood pours from thewound instantly.

She attempts to pull herself up, but the blood/soap mixturearound her causes Karen to lose any progress she makes.

Her attempts to yell out are gurgled. Blood runs from thecorner of her mouth. Movements slow until they stopaltogether.

Her head bumps against the floor as she dies, her eyes wideopen in terror.

On the table, the card fades from sight.

EXT. COLLEGE FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

After practice, sweaty players gather their belongings.

Brad picks up his phone, checks for messages. He presses abutton and listens.

KAREN (O.S.)(filtered)

Brad, it's me. Something reallyweird's going on. I found one ofthose cards from the magic house inmy purse... I'm on it. There's aknife...

(beat)Please call me as soon as you getthis.

Not even waiting for the option to erase the message, Bradquickly dials Karen's number. He's very worried.

The phone on the other end RINGS and RINGS. No answer.

Brad shuts off the phone and gathers the rest of hisbelongings. His COACH watches from nearby as Brad racestoward the parking lot.

45.

COACHWestling! Take a shower before yougo!

But Brad is already at his car, throwing his things insidebefore climbing in. Tires SQUEAL as he speeds out of thelot.

The coach shakes his head with discontent.

EXT. SORORITY HOUSE - DAY

Brad parks in front. He jumps out and strides for the frontdoor. He rings the bell over and over, bouncing with thejitters. He tries the knob. It's locked.

Brad jumps over the side rail and walks for the--

BACKYARD

Brad stops at the door, which leads to the kitchen. Heattempts to open it. Locked. He pounds on it with his fist.

BRADKaren!

Through a slight part in the window's curtains, Brad is ableto see blood on the floor.

In full panic mode now, Brad removes his jacket, wraps hisarm with it, and smashes the door's glass with his elbow.

He reaches inside through the newly made opening and opensthe door.

INT. SORORITY HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Brad steps inside. His eyes follow the blood to its source -Karen. Her clothing is drenched from head to toe.

Tears well in Brad's eyes. He staggers back into a counterand slides down it.

LATER

Officers and detectives come and go from the room. Samescenario as with the previous deaths. The crime labphotographer snaps pictures of Karen's body.

46.

Dan stoops next to the body and examines it with his eyes. Although he tries to put up a tough front, some genuinesadness seeps through his hardened exterior at the sight.

An OFFICER steps up to him.

OFFICERThat's one hell of an accident. Shemust have walked under a few toomany ladders.

Dan stands.

DANYou think this is funny?

OFFICERNo, Detective.

DANShow some respect, will ya`?

He leaves through the back door.

Puzzled, the officer stares after him.

EXT. SORORITY HOUSE - BACKYARD - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Brad sits on the steps, head in his hands. It's takingeverything he's got just to hold it together.

Dan stops off to the side.

DANHow are you holding up?

Brad shakes his head, unable to verbalize his feelings.

DANSo she called you right before ithappened?

BRADCell phone's in the car. I didn'tdelete her message.

47.

DANI'll have to take your phone. Maybethe message will give us some ideawhat might have been going on at thetime she called you.

BRADFine. I don't want it now anyway.

DANDo you have any idea why she soundedso urgent?

Brad snaps to attention.

BRADNo, Detective. I don't. She wasfine when I dropped her off herebefore practice. Well, she wasn'tfine, seeing that we just got backfrom Mike's funeral, but I didn'tsee anything suspicious.

DANDid you go straight to practice afterleaving here?

BRADWhat? Am I a suspect? I thought itwas ruled an accident.

DANIt LOOKS like an accident. I stillhave to examine all the angles,especially with this being the thirdlocal death in barely a week.

BRADI stopped by my fraternity house tochange clothes. Then I went topractice.

(stands)Can I go now?

Dan stares him down, unsure of his next move. Then:

DANGo on. I'll call you or stop by ifI have more questions.

Brad frowns. He disappears around the side of the house.

48.

Dan leans against the porch post and thinks things through.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - NIGHT

A vigil takes place. Dozens of students hold candles in thedarkness. On a table are pictures of Mike and Karen. Thestudents hum a low church hymn.

Tracy adds a picture of Ron to the table. Linda and Bradwatch from behind. A tear runs down Tracy's cheek.

TRACYHe wasn't a student, but he deservesto be remembered.

Linda rests a comforting hand on her shoulder.

LINDAOf course he does.

Brad leads the girls away from the group. He pulls a packof cigarettes from his pocket and lights one, puffing heavilyon it. There's great unease to his manner.

LINDASince when do you smoke?

BRADSince yesterday.

LINDABut you play football.

BRAD(snappy)

You think I don't know that?

Linda can only stare.

Brad tries his best to calm down.

BRADSorry.

Tracy holds out her hand to him.

TRACYGive me one of those.

49.

Brad passes a cigarette to her and lights it. Tracy coughswith the first puff, but quickly gets the hang of it.

Brad offers his pack to Linda. She considers for a verybrief moment, then waves him off.

TRACYWhat are we going to do?

LINDAAbout what?

BRADDon't you get it? Three of us whostayed at that house overnight arenow dead, either by suicide oraccident. It can't be a coincidence.

LINDAWhat are you saying?

BRADI... I don't know. Karen said oneof those cards showed up, right beforeshe died.

LINDAThat's impossible. They're in theback of Dan's car.

TRACYDan?

Linda grins nervously.

LINDADetective Blevins

BRADJust what's going on with you two?

LINDANothing.

In an attempt to avoid the subject, she leaves to rejoin thecrowd.

Brad and Tracy share a disbelieving look.

50.

INT. CRIME LAB - NIGHT

JOHN MARX (30s) sits before a microscope, examining a slideunderneath.

Dan enters, the bag of cards in his hand.

John takes a quick glance back.

JOHNDan, what can I do for you?

Dan holds up the bag.

DANI need you to check these for me.

John raises a questioning eyebrow at the sight of the cards.

JOHNPlaying cards?

Dan tosses the bag to the table.

DANThese were at the scene of RonMorrison's suicide.

JOHNWhich you don't believe was suicide.

DANThere's some strange shit going onpossibly connected to these cards.

JOHNWhen did you start snorting coke?

DANFunny. I just need to hear from youthat these are basic playing cards.

JOHNWhat else could they be?

DANYou tell me.

He leaves.

51.

John picks up the baggie, studies the cards inside. Frederic's image draws him in, causing John to stare.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

Tracy rakes newly cut grass in the side yard of a professor'shouse. Several mounds of grass are scattered around theentire yard. Lots of pretty landscaping in the area.

The PROFESSOR (50s), male, leaves the house with a briefcase. He stops by Tracy.

PROFESSORYou don't have to work today, Ms.Howard. Take some time off.

TRACYThat's all right, Professor Northrop. I want to keep busy so I can't thinkabout things too much.

PROFESSORThat's very commendable of you. Ifyou do hang around a while, wouldyou water the flowers for me?

TRACYSure.

PROFESSORI'll pay you when I get back.

TRACYThanks.

The professor walks down the sidewalk toward the main campusbuildings.

INT. CRIME LAB - DAY - CONTINUOUS

A few technicians now work at different stations around theroom.

Lying next to John's vacated microscope, still inside theirbag, the top card on the deck glows red.

52.

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Tracy lays down the rake and disappears around back. Shereturns with an open garbage can and stuffs piles of grassinto it with her hands.

A magic card appears on the rake's fan. 4 of Spades.

Tracy reaches down to the rake without looking and pulls itup by the handle.

The card goes unnoticed, fluttering to the ground as shemoves the rake and garbage can to the side of the house.

The card lands backside up. Frederic's image morphs intoTracy's. She lies on the ground on her back. Welts arevisible on her skin. A swarm of bees flies around her.

Tracy stands the trashcan against the house, along with therake. The water hose spigot is close-by, only the connectedhose lies mostly under the house, underneath the lattice.

It appears someone would have had to shove the hose underneaththe lattice on purpose. A tight fit.

Tracy scratches her head at the sight.

TRACYShit.

She pulls on the hose. It fails to budge, like it's caughton something back in the darkness. She pulls harder. Stillstuck.

Tracy pries on the section of lattice, uses all her might tobreak it free on one end. The hose should now move freely. But it doesn't.

With great reluctance, Tracy reaches underneath the house,gets a firm grip on the hose, and pulls hard. No success. One more attempt. Nothing.

Tracy sighs. She musters the nerve, then slowly crawlsunderneath.

UNDERNEATH HOUSE

Dark and creepy. Tracy crawls into a spider web andfrantically swipes it from her hair.

53.

TRACYYuck.

She finds the coiled hose in the back.

When she pulls on it, fully expecting it to move with her,she discovers it's still stuck. But there's nothing evidentthat it's stuck on.

Tracy braces her feet against a wall and pulls on the coiledhose. She fails to notice a beehive just above her feet,built against the wall.

In her tense tugging, she finally manages to free the hosefrom its invisible constraints.

In the process, she knocks down the beehive next to her. Anenraged bee crawls out, causing Tracy to take notice.

TRACYFuck.

She grabs the hose and sprints for the opening, as fast asshe can in confined space, on her hands and knees.

Back at the hive, another bee and another leave it. Dozensaltogether. They fly at Tracy.

SIDE YARD

Tracy screams from underneath the house.

She appears at the opening, leaves behind the hose as she'sbattling a swarm of angry bees. A few welts are alreadyvisible on her skin. The bees deliver more.

By the time she makes it to her feet in the yard, she hassuffered a couple dozen stings.

Her breathing grows raspy to the point it sounds like severeasthma. Her attempts to scream are greatly muffled by herthroat swelling shut inside.

Tracy grips her neck as she attempts to make it to the front. Her feet drag. The bees continue their assault. She spotsthe card on the ground as she passes by.

TRACY(choked)

Help... me.

54.

She barely makes it to the--

FRONT YARD

-- where she collapses.

Scattered STUDENTS in the area notice and rush to her. Thebees continue their assault on Tracy, causing her fellowstudents to stop short from approaching.

FEMALE STUDENTOh, my God! Someone help her!

One of the male students spots the water hose partiallysticking out from under the house and hurries to it.

En route, he steps on the card without noticing. A dirtyshoe mark is left behind on the bent card.

When he tugs on the hose, it easily comes free from its hold. He twists the knob to turn on the water. With nozzle inhand, he moves closer to Tracy and opens fire.

Some of the bees fly off instantly. Others refuse to leaveand are soaked by the water, dropping to the ground andflopping around.

Tracy, eyes open, barely moves. Her air intake is almostnull. She just stares upward at the beautiful sky as lifedrains from her body.

Students crowd around her.

FEMALE STUDENT #2(panicked)

What should we do?

Linda, oblivious to what takes place, walks by the area withbooks in her arms. She spots the crowd gathered aroundsomething on the ground and closes in with curiosity.

MALE STUDENTI'll get help!

As fast as his legs will go, he races off toward the nearestbuilding.

FEMALE STUDENTI'll call 9-1-1.

55.

She steps away from the group, pulls a cell phone from herpurse, and dials.

Linda arrives, now able to see what the crowd is panickedover.

LINDATracy!

She drops the books to kneel by Tracy's side.

LINDAWhat happened?

FEMALE STUDENT #2(crying)

There were bees... all over.

MALE STUDENT #2Isn't she allergic to bees?

Linda stares at him for a long moment. She looks down intoTracy's face and strokes her hair.

LINDAHang on, Tracy. Help's coming.

Tracy no longer breathes. Her eyes remain locked on theclear, blue sky.

Male Student #2 holds a hand just above her nose and mouth.

MALE STUDENT #2She's not breathing.

He feels Tracy's neck for a pulse.

MALE STUDENT #2Pulse is fading.

He performs CPR on Tracy in a desperate attempt to reviveher.

Linda watches calmly, but in shock. She knows nothing cansave Tracy now.

Slowly, she stands and backs away from the scene, in thecard's direction. Something catches her eye. It's the card.

Before her very eyes, the dent straightens and the dirt marksfade, leaving behind a very new looking card.

56.

The horrid image of Tracy as she's attacked by bees on thecard captures Linda's full attention.

MALE STUDENT #2 (O.S.)There's no pulse!

Linda watches as the card fades from sight.

LATER

Tracy's covered body is loaded into the coroner's wagon. More officers and detectives look around. Some have unheardconversations. Student onlookers disperse.

Linda sits on the front steps, elbows leaning against herbent knees. On the verge of losing it, her head drops intoher hands.

Dan arrives on the scene. He speaks MOS to a fellow detectivefor a few moments, then joins Linda on the steps.

DANYou doing okay?

Tears in her eyes, Linda shakes her head.

Dan slips an arm around her shoulders, but maintains a littledistance.

LINDAIt's the cards.

DANWhat?

LINDAI saw one... on the ground as shewas dying.

Dan withdraws his arm so there's more room for him to pullback with a puzzled look.

DANLinda, that isn't possible. I gavethe cards to a buddy at the crimelab last night.

Ignoring what he said:

57.

LINDAIt was dirty and bent. I watched itrepair itself. There was this imageof Tracy... being attacked by bees,lying on the ground dying.

Dan listens in a shocked silence.

LINDAThe moment she died, the carddisappeared.

DANLinda, you're just in shock. Youdon't know what you saw.

Linda jumps up, ready to explode.

LINDADon't tell me what I saw!

Everyone still on the scene grows quiet to look her way.

Dan rises, ready to offer comfort to Linda, but not quitesure how. Linda sobs. Dan takes her into his arms.

EXT. FRAT HOUSE - DAY

Dan and Linda wait outside the closed door. It opens, Bradpeering out at them curiously.

BRADHey.

He arrives on the porch and closes the door.

BRADWhat's up?

Dan and Linda exchange a look.

MOMENTS LATER

Linda and Brad sit on the steps while Dan stands next tothem. Brad appears severely troubled.

BRADShit.

58.

DANI don't believe this nonsense for amoment, but I have four dead peoplewho were at that house just beforeall this started. There has to be aconnection somehow.

LINDAYeah. The cards.

DANNo. There's something we're missing.

Linda's eyes suddenly widen in revelation.

LINDAA pecking order.

BRADWhat?

LINDARemember the poker game. Ron heldthe cards first. When he passedthem out, Mike picked up some of hisfirst...

BRADThen Karen and Tracy.

He looks away with a terrible realization.

BRADI think I was next.

LINDAI didn't want to play, but I didn'twant to be the one who ruined everyoneelse's fun. So I finally picked upmy cards.

BRADI'm next.

DANJust cut the shit, here. Cards can'tkill people. Maybe this is just aseries of unlucky events, butnothing's gonna happen to you two aslong as you don't want something tohappen.

59.

LINDADan, I'm telling you...

DANLook, for your peace of mind, I'llstop by the lab to see if my palfound out anything about the cards. I'll even check out that house. Butdon't expect me to believe that thesecards had anything to do with yourfriends' deaths. I don't believe infairy tales.

BRAD(mumbling)

It's more like a nightmare.

LINDAWasn't that house demolished?

DANIt was held off due to Morrison'sdeath. We have to be sure therewasn't foul play involved beforedestroying potential evidence.

Officers and detectives leave.

Dan heads to his car. Yelling back:

DANYou two stay put! I'll be in touch.

He climbs in behind the wheel and drives away.

Linda's and Brad's gazes trail after his car as it disappearsfrom sight. Linda stands, walking in silence toward herdropped books in the distance.

Brad runs fingers through his hair.

INT. CRIME LAB - DAY

John, wearing rubber gloves, examines a card under hismicroscope. The rest of the deck lies out of the bag, nextto the scope.

Dan enters and goes straight to his side.

60.

JOHNDan.

DANDid you find out anything?

JOHNYes and no.

DANWhat the hell does that mean?

John picks up the top card in his gloved hand.

JOHNObserve.

He crumples the card into a wad and lays it on the table. Both watch the card intently.

Before their eyes, the card unfolds, straightening everycrease to perfection. John appears unaffected by theoccurrence while Dan stares at the phenomenon.

John removes a lighter from his pocket, picks up the cardand attempts to set it on fire. The card doesn't even singe. He puts away the lighter.

JOHNIt seems to be impervious to alldestructive forces. I checked itscomposition, what might be differentabout it, but it seems to be made ofnormal paper... normal for a centuryand a half ago.

DANThen how do you explain it?

JOHNI can't.

DANAre there any cards missing?

JOHNThere's 54, counting two Jokers. Why?

61.

DAN(hesitating)

No reason.

JOHNLook, I could run more tests if youwant, but I don't expect to uncoveranything new.

Dan considers this for a moment.

DANI've wasted enough of your time.

John returns all of the cards to their bag and seals itclosed. He passes the bag to Dan.

JOHNI wish there was more I could tellyou.

Dan walks toward the exit. On his way:

DANI owe you dinner.

JOHNMovelli's?

Dan holds up a hand to signal his agreement.

John grabs a slide with a hair sample on it and places itunder his scope.

HALL

Dan stops just outside the lab. He holds the bag of cardsbefore his awed eyes.

DANJust what IS your story?

EXT. OLESON HOUSE - DAY

Completely quiet, except for a gentle breeze that rustlesthrough the treetops.

Dan parks out front. He enters through the main door.

62.

INT. OLESON ENTRY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Dan stops to look around him. Not much to see. He steps tothe living room doorway for a scan. The students' coolerand some beer remains where they left it.

ATTIC

Dan treks up the steps. He pauses at the top to take a lookaround, then starts a search beginning with the trunk.

He rummages through the contents, fails to find anythingthat intrigues him.

Next, Dan moves to the boxes. Nothing of interest in thefirst few - some 18th century men's clothing, a pipe, severalold books.

Then he moves to another box off to its own. Inside he findssome belongings for a girl/woman, 20th century. A doll,antique jewelry box, some pictures.

Dan plucks one of those out of several. The picture is of ayoung woman (20s). He turns it over to find "Mary Oleson"written on the back.

A CRASH from somewhere behind Dan startles him. The trunkof magic tricks has somehow tipped over on its own, scatteringthe contents.

Dan rights the trunk and puts back the magic tricks.

A breeze suddenly whips through his hair, although the onlywindow is closed. Dan pauses to search for the source. Nothing evident.

He finishes picking up the items and trudges down the steps.

ENTRY

Dan leaves.

A red glow illuminates in the upper hall, followed by a man'seerie LAUGH.

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

Several stories tall in a nice area.

63.

INT. DAN'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - SAME

Neat and organized. Dan sits at his computer. A pad ofpaper and pen lies off to the side.

He studies information on Frederic Oleson, articles thatlook very old, detailing his career as a magician.

Included are articles on his rival magicians of the period -death notices with headings like "Another rival succumbs tosuicide" and "Matt Harrison, budding magician, dies in tragicaccident."

Dan makes notes while skimming the articles.

He does a search, this time for "Mary Oleson". Only a fewarticles appear on her. One reads "Oleson's great-granddaughter opens museum."

Dan makes more notes.

EXT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Quaint family-type. Dan's car is parked in the lot amongmany.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY - SAME

Dan has lunch with Linda and Brad, who sit together acrossfrom him. An open folder with printed pages on Fredericlies next to him. They eat while they talk.

DANOleson was a well known magician inthis area back in the mid 1800s. Heowned that house you kids spent thenight in.

BRADEveryone knows that. It's supposedto be haunted or something.

DANBut did you know that his competitiondropped like flies over a few monthperiod?

64.

LINDAWhat?

DANOleson started out as a nobody...

LINDA(sarcastic)

Doesn't everyone?

DANHey, I'm just trying to help here.Don't bust my chops over it.

Linda eases up.

LINDAI'm sorry.

DANNo need to be sorry. Just be a goodlistener. Your life may depend onit.

Linda glances at Brad, then takes a big bite of her burger.

DANHe could barely support his wife anddaughter. Several rival magicianswere better. They had bigger tricks,more money to put into their acts.

BRADAnd?

DANAll five of these guys died within asix month period, either by accidentsor suicides.

Linda turns to Brad with a scared look. He returns it.

DANSome thought Oleson was behind it,but it could never be proven. Noevidence of foul play. Just a seriesof bad luck... for his rivals.

LINDAThis sounds strangely familiar.

65.

BRADDuh.

LINDASo what happened to Oleson?

DANHe became a famous magician withmore money than he knew what to dowith. He died in 1893 from pneumonia. His only child, a daughter, didn'twant anything to do with magic sohis legacy died with him.

BRADThis doesn't explain the cards, howthey do what they do.

DANThere might be someone who can shedsome light on the matter.

LINDAWho?

DANHis ancestors kept the house overthe years. His great granddaughterwas the last to live there, opened amuseum tribute to her greatgrandfather. She left a few yearsago because she was unable to carefor the deteriorating property anylonger.

LINDASo why didn't she take his stuffwith her?

DANYou can ask her yourself.

Linda raises a questioning eyebrow.

EXT. RETIREMENT VILLAGE - DAY

Dan's car is parked in front of an end unit.

66.

INT. LUCY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY - SAME

Extremely clean with an "old people" look about the decor. A canary climbs around inside a cage in the corner.

Linda, Brad and Dan are seated on the sofa. They twiddlethumbs, bite nails, yawn, anything associated with severeboredom. A potted plant stands on the end table by Dan.

MARY CONNORS, a frail-looking 85-year-old lady, cursed withmassive wrinkles and snow white hair, carries a tray with ateapot, napkins and tea cups on it into the room.

She takes slow little steps. This could take a while.

Dan jumps up.

DANHere...

He takes the tray from Mary.

DAN... let me help you with that.

He sets the tray on the coffee table.

MARYWhat a dear young man. If only Iwas thirty years younger...

BRAD(quietly)

You'd still be old enough to be hismom.

Linda elbows him. Brad grimaces in pain.

MARYWhat was that, dear?

BRAD(pained)

Nothing.

Dan helps Mary into a chair across from the couch, then takeshis seat next to Brad.

Mary's hand quivers uncontrollably as she attempts to pour acup of tea. A good deal of it misses its target.

67.

Linda takes the pot from her.

LINDAI'll pour it for you, ma'am.

She cleans up the dribbled tea with napkins and pours a fullcup.

MARYDon't call me "ma'am", dear. It's"Mary."

Linda hands the filled cup to Dan. She pours another forBrad and one for herself. The fourth, she only fills halfwayand hands it to Mary.

MARYThank you...

LINDALinda.

MARYLinda. What a pretty name.

She looks into her partially filled cup with a scrunchedbrow.

MARYI usually like a little more tea inmy cup.

LINDAI'll pour you more when you're ready. It might be safer that way.

MARYSafer?

LINDALess to spill.

MARYWell, aren't you thoughtful.

Brad tastes his tea. The bitter face he makes says it all. It's terrible.

Linda shifts him a warning look. Then she tastes her owntea and can barely hold back the same type of reaction.

68.

Dan thinks better of tasting his. When Mary isn't looking,he tosses the contents of his cup into the potted plant.

Brad's mouth drops open. Why didn't he think of that?

DANMary, what can you tell us aboutyour great-grandfather?

MARYOh, he loved magic with all his heart. The only thing that meant more tohim was family.

LINDADid you know him?

MARYNo, but my daddy told me all thestories. I felt like I had knowngreat-grandpa Frederic my whole life. It was so hard for me to abandonthat house. He built it himself,you know.

BRADIf you cared that much about him,why did you leave his belongingsbehind?

MARYThat old trunk and a couple of boxesin the attic? Well, a great magiciannever reveals his secrets. I felthis personal effects were bestdestroyed with the house. He'd bemore of a mystery that way.

LINDAThere was this deck of cards...

Right away, Mary is uncomfortable with the subject. Shesets her cup on the tray and toddles over to the bird cage,makes whistling sounds at the bird inside as a distraction.

Those on the sofa pass around a confused look.

DAN(standing)

Mary, there was this deck of cardsthese kids found in his trunk.

(MORE)

69.

DAN (CONT'D)Since that night, four of theirfriends have died. It appears thatat least a couple found a card withtheir image on it...

MARYAnd how they were to die. "The cardsof fate" I hear he used to call them.

LINDASo you know what they do.

Mary glances back.

MARYI've heard the stories.

BRADHow do we stop fate? I'm next onthe list, then Linda.

Mary's eyes roll back into her head as an eerie, almost evilsmile crosses her face. In a demonic-like tone:

MARYYou cannot cheat fate.

Her visitors stare wide-eyed. Linda's cup drops from herhand, spilling most of the contents. She jumps upimmediately.

LINDAI'm sorry.

She dashes into the kitchen.

Mary's eyes return to normal. She turns to her visitors.

MARYI don't approve of what my great-grandfather did. To use black magicon his competition. It just ain'tright. But he's still my flesh andblood.

Linda returns with a towel and damp rag. She uses the towelto sop up the spilt tea and the rag to clean the stain leftbehind.

70.

DAN(to Mary)

We understand how hard this must befor you, but four innocent kids havedied because of those cards.Two more could.

Brad and Linda pass each other a solemn look.

DANWe just want to know how to savethem.

Mary makes her way back to the chair and sits, ever so softly.

MARYMy great-grandfather used the cardson one target at a time. It's notthe situation you have here. Butone thing should be the same. Youdie within twenty-four hours of thecard first appearing.

She looks at Brad with a smile only a grandmother could give.

MARYSince you will know how you are todie, if you can survive the entireday, then you cheat fate.

(to Dan)Black magic protects the cards. Allyou can do is put them somewherethat no one will ever find them, butdon't touch them. Once you do, youfall prey to the magic that protectsthem.

BRADNo wonder you didn't want to touchany of his stuff.

MARYI wasn't afraid, young man. I'velived a good life. I just felt hisbelongings should go down with thehouse. They would be taken away toa dump somewhere and hopefully neverfound. See what happens when peopleinterfere?

Dan hesitates, then nods.

71.

EXT. RETIREMENT VILLAGE - DAY

Dan, Brad and Linda leave Mary's unit.

DANAt least we have a plan now.

BRAD(sarcastic)

Where?

DANWe'll wait and see how you're supposedto die, then we'll make sure to keepyou safe from whatever it is fortwenty-four hours.

BRADWell, just in case... I'm living itup while I can.

He climbs into the back of Dan's car.

Linda watches him, a hand shielding her eyes from the brightsun.

LINDAThat's not a bad idea. I've gotsome living of my own to do.

She slides into Dan's front passenger seat and waits.

Dan, genuinely worried for the two, hangs back for a moment. He composes himself, gets behind the wheel of his car anddrives away.

MONTAGE - BRAD AND LINDA LIVE IT UP

-- Brad drinks heavily at a party with fellow football playersand cheerleaders.

-- Linda stands before a mall's store window, where mannequinsmodel the hippest clothing for young women. A smile on herface, she enters.

-- In a twin dorm bed, Brad makes out heavily with FEMALESTUDENT #3 (20). Clothes come off.

-- Linda sits in a beauty salon chair, having her hair cut.

72.

-- In his backyard before a large inground pool, Brad finishesa cigarette and lights another one immediately, chain smoking. FEMALE STUDENT #4 clings to him. They kiss.

-- At a cosmetics counter, a WOMAN does Linda's make-up whileshe instructs her on how to apply each thing properly.

END MONTAGE

INT. FUNERAL HOME - NIGHT

Many PEOPLE are here for Tracy's visitations. Inside thecasket, Tracy looks like her beautiful self before the beeattack.

Dan walks the room, a social outcast.

Brad, dressed in a wrinkled suit, the jacket unbuttoned,sits alone in a row of chairs. It's easy to tell he'ssomewhat drunk.

He looks around him, sees no one watching, and slips an openbeer can out of his inner jacket pocket. He takes a sip.

Dan catches a glimpse and charges up to him.

DAN(quietly)

Hey.

He swipes the can from Brad's hand.

DAN(quietly)

Show some respect, will you?

Dan turns for the nearest trashcan and nearly bumps intoTRACY'S MOM (40s). Dressed in black with a red face fromcrying a very long time, her eyes drop to the can of beer inDan's hands.

At a loss for what to say on the spot, Dan's mouth opens toexplain, but no words come out.

TRACY'S MOMDrinking at my daughter's funeral.Is that what a respected officerof the law does these days?

She walks away in a tiff.

73.

DANNo, you have it all...

He stops short. Tracy's mom is already out of earshot.

Dan looks back at Brad.

DANThanks for helping me out there.

Brad shrugs.

Dan ditches the beer can. He pivots to return in Brad'sdirection, finds Linda standing before him.

Only this isn't the plain, geeky Linda we've seen so far. This is a hot Linda - contacts, colored hair fixed nicely,make-up. She looks like a completely different person.

DANLinda?

LINDADon't you recognize me?

DANBarely.

He looks over Linda.

DANWow. What a difference.

LINDAWell, I've always held back onappearance. It never meant much tome. But I figured I'd help the poormortician out by giving him less tofix when I die.

DANYou're not going to die.

LINDAYeah, yeah. I know. You're goingto save me.

DANSo this is how you want to live whatyou think might be your last fewdays?

74.

LINDAIt's shallow, I know. But it is funwatching guy's heads turn when Iwalk by.

DANAnd here Brad cherishes his timeleft by staying drunk and gettinglaid.

LINDAWe're birds of a different featherthat don't flock together.

DANWhich is a good thing for you.

Brad swaggers up to them. Linda smiles, waiting for somekind of reaction over her new appearance, but he fails toeven notice.

BRADI'm out of here. It's time to dosome serious partying.

Linda's frown fizzles into disappointment. He doesn't noticeher new look.

DAN(to Brad)

Need a ride home? I can't let youdrive in your condition.

BRADNah. I was dropped off here by mydad. The next party is only a fewblocks away. I'm walking.

He staggers toward the doorway, stops to look back.

BRADOh, I'll be staying home for a while,in case you need to reach me.

He continues toward the exit.

DANWhere is that?

But Brad's already gone.

75.

Dan turns, notices the discontent on Linda's face. Realizing:

DANI'm sure if he were sober, he wouldhave noticed.

LINDAFor someone using women as sexobjects, it seems like he'd noticeanyone who looks remotely good.

DANYou're too pretty for him.

Linda chuckles.

LINDAThanks for lying.

She goes to the chairs and sits alone.

Dan runs fingers through his hair.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

A service takes place. The chairs before Tracy's casket arefilled.

Dan and Linda stand back from the crowd.

DANI really expected Brad to show up.

LINDAI hope he's all right.

DANProbably resting at home.

Linda listens for a moment.

PRIEST (O.S.)This concludes our service.Donations in Tracy's name can bemade to Third Financial. They willbe divided between her mother'sfavorite charities.

Dan and Linda head for Dan's car.

76.

DANTry calling Brad's house. If he'snot there, ask his parents wherethey think he might be.

Linda removes a cell phone from her purse and gets busy asthey climb into Dan's car. It drives down the road.

INT. PARTY HOUSE LIVING ROOM - DAY

A huge mess. Empty beer cans thrown all over. Food wrappers,bowls. You name it. A wild time took place here last night.

Brad lies passed out on the sofa. A magic card appears onhis chest. The King of Hearts.

NICK (21), obvious jock by his muscular girth, comes to thedoorway. His ill appearance suggestive of a bad hangover. He spots Brad on the couch.

NICKBrad!

He goes to Brad and shakes him.

NICKHey, wake up.

Brad stirs. Eyes flutter open, take a few moments to registerwhat they see.

NICKYou should probably be getting homebefore your old man puts out an APBon you.

He spots the card on Brad's chest.

NICKWe didn't play cards last night.

He reaches out to the card.

NICKWhere did this come from?

Brad looks down to the card. Panicked, he jumps up justbefore Nick would touch the card. It drifts to the floor,lands picture side up.

77.

Brad watches Frederic's image closely. It morphs into oneof Brad, crushed underneath the wheels of a car.

Nick also watches the transformation. He appears much morewowed by it.

NICKWhoa. How did you do that? Are youa magician or something?

Brad springs to his feet, backs away from the card as ifit's an armed intruder.

BRADDon't touch the card. Stay awayfrom it!

He runs for the door.

Nick stares at the card, scratches his head. It's just acard.

EXT. PARTY HOUSE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Brad flees through the front doorway and nearly falls downthe steps in his hurry. He stops to look up and down thestreet. No cars except for the ones parked at the curb.

A glance at his watch reveals it's 2:31. He jogs down thesidewalk.

INT. BRAD'S BEDROOM - DAY

Messy bed covers on the twin bed, several football trophieson shelves. A typical college boy's room away from campus.

Brad opens the door, hurries inside and pushes the doorclosed. He backs away from the door until he falls to thebed.

There he waits for something to happen. Nothing does. Hebreathes a sigh of relief.

Brad moves his hand in preparation to stand. It touchessomething. The magic card, which now lies on his bed.

Brad jumps up and slams into the door, his eyes locked onthe card. He battles the urge to cry.

78.

BRADOh, God.

BRAD'S DAD (O.S.)Brad!

The door jiggles. Brad holds it closed.

BRADI... I'm getting dressed.

BRAD'S DAD (O.S.)I know you just snuck in. I'm on alate lunch hour, but we'll talk aboutthis after work.

BRADOkay. Fine. Whatever.

BRAD'S DAD (O.S.)Don't take that tone with me, youngman.

BRADSorry.

FOOTSTEPS fade away.

Brad slides down the door to the floor.

INT. MAIN BEDROOM - DAY

Brad wanders inside. He looks through the top of the closetand pulls down a shoebox. Inside is a handgun. Bradcarefully picks it up and holds it before his terrified eyes.

BRAD'S BEDROOM

Brad enters with the gun in his hand. He sits on the bed,off to the side of the card, which he stares at.

BRADYou're not getting me.

Moments pass. Brad raises the gun to his head. He inhalesdeeply. His eyes close. He squeezes the trigger. CLICK. He tries again. CLICK. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK.

Brad's eyes snap open. He looks over the gun in puzzlement,opens the chamber. Every slot holds a bullet.

79.

Brad closes the chamber, aims at the door and FIRES. A bulletpierces the wooden door. Brad jumps at the sound.

BRADFuck.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY

Dan drives along. Linda, cell phone in her hand, slumps inher seat next to him.

LINDANo one knows where he is. There'sno one else to try.

Dan's cell phone in his pocket RINGS. He whips it out.

DAN(into cell phone)

Yeah... I'll take it. Thanks.

He hangs up.

DANHe's at home... at least I think heis. Neighbors reported what soundedlike a gunshot coming from his house.

LINDAYou don't think...

DANI don't know what else TO think.

He speeds up.

EXT. BRAD'S HOUSE - DAY

Dan's car SCREECHES to a stop at the curb. He turns it offand jumps out. Linda joins him.

They dash to the front door, Dan pounding on it while LindaRINGS the doorbell over and over.

LINDABrad!

No answer.

80.

Dan rams his shoulder into the door. His face twists inpain. It takes two more efforts to bust in the door. Dangrips his aching shoulder as they proceed inside.

INT. BRAD'S HALL - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Right away, Dan and Linda split up to search the downstairs. They come together in the hall. Linda shakes her head.

They rush up the steps.

UPSTAIRS HALL

They search each room. Dan discovers the bullet hole throughBrad's door. Another hole is in the wall straight acrossfrom it. The back end of the bullet sticks out.

Linda arrives by his side. Both glare at the bullet insidethe hole.

LINDAWhere is he?

Dan shrugs.

A sudden realization hits Linda.

LINDAThe pool!

She dashes down the steps. Dan races after her.

EXT. BRAD'S BACKYARD - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda races outside through the patio doors, Dan hot on hertail. They stop to look at the inground pool.

In the sparkling clear water, a body is visible upright inthe deep end, at the very bottom. No movement. It's Brad.

LINDAShit!

Dan removes his jacket and tosses it aside as he charges thepool. He dives in toward the middle and swims to Brad.

Dan surfaces with Brad in his arms. Only Brad isn't dead. And he isn't even hurt. He's perfectly fine, and pissed.

81.

BRADWhat the hell did you do that for?

Linda arrives at the edge. She smiles her relief.

DANI was trying to save your ass.

BRADDoes it look like it needs saving?

DANIt did at the time.

Brad swims to the side and climbs up. He sits with his feetin the water.

Dan climbs out, his clothes dripping.

LINDA(to Brad)

We thought you had killed yourself.

BRADI tried, but FATE won't let me.My dad's gun won't fire when I pointit at me. I was underwater fortyminutes and still didn't need air. It would all be pretty cool if Iwasn't going to die soon.

LINDAYou got your card?

BRADI tried to ditch it, but it followsme everywhere.

He looks around him, spots the magic card lying on a chairclose-by.

BRADSee?

Linda goes to the chair.

DANDon't touch it.

82.

LINDAI'm thinking the actual death cardsare harmless since they've alreadybeen assigned.

She picks up the card.

LINDAIf I'm wrong, it doesn't matter anywaysince I already have a mark on myback.

She takes the card to Dan. Both look over the new image.

BRADI thought I'd be safe from cars inthe pool. If I drowned in theprocess, it would be a better way togo.

DANI'm not sure about that.

BRADYou'd rather be crushed by a car?

DANNo...

BRAD(standing)

See, those of you without this problemdon't understand.

Dan softens.

DANLook, I'll do my best to see youdon't die. We'll stay here in thehouse, away from all cars, until thetime is up.

BRADMy dad's not gonna like having a copsleep over.

DANWe'll just have to explain it all tohim.

83.

INT. BRAD'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Brad's PARENTS sit on the sofa, glaring at Dan, who standsbefore them. Linda and Brad are seated in chairs.

BRAD'S DADThat is the craziest story I've everheard.

DANI know it sounds insane, but four oftheir friends have died in barely aweek. The one thing they have incommon is playing with those cardsthat night. Linda and your son didas well. Look at the card.

Linda holds the card before the parents' faces. They softenat the sight of their son's image crushed by a car.

Brad's Mom tries to touch it. Linda pulls back the card outof her reach.

LINDADon't touch... for your own safety.

DANAll I want to do is stay here withBrad until his twenty-four hours areup.

BRADIt can't hurt anything, Dad.

Brad's Dad turns to his wife. She now appears genuinelyconcerned with the situation.

BRAD'S DAD(to Dan)

You can sleep on the couch.

Dan nods.

EXT. BRAD'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Dan and Linda stand on the porch.

LINDAAre you going to be all right?

84.

DANIt's not me you need to worry about.I'd give you a ride...

LINDAThat's okay. Do you job, Detective.

A car pulls up at the curb. Linda's mom, KATHY (30s) sitsbehind the wheel.

LINDAI'll come by tomorrow, if nothingHas...

She stops short. Dan nods.

LINDAGood night.

She heads to the car. Dan's eyes trail after her.

DANGood night.

INT. KATHY'S CAR - PARKED - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Linda sits next to her mom, looking out at Dan the wholetime. Kathy's face stiffens at the sight.

LINDAIs something going on between youtwo that I should know about?

Linda forces an insincere smile.

LINDAIf there was, it would be MY business.

Kathy's jaw drops. The first time she's ever heard thattone from her sweet daughter. She avoids the fight, fornow, and drives away.

INT. BRAD'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Dan does his best to make himself comfortable on the sofawith a pillow and blanket.

85.

BRAD'S BEDROOM

Brad lies under his covers, ready to fall asleep. An extrapillow is next to his. His eyes shift to the nightstand.

His card now lies on top.

Brad pulls up the covers over his head.

INT. BRAD'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

The pendulum clock on the mantle reads 2:27.

Brad paces. Each "tick" of the clock seems to irritate him. He takes frequent glances. His magic card lies on the coffeetable.

Dan sits off to the side in a chair, keeps a watchful eye onBrad.

Brad's parents stand by the mantle. They're bored, but alsoworried sick.

The doorbell RINGS.

Brad whirls to the hall where the front door is in sight.

BRADDon't answer it!

DANI don't think a car will ring thedoorbell.

He strides into the--

HALL

-- and opens the door to Linda.

LINDAAnything happen yet?

She enters. Dan closes the door.

DANNo. Only a few minutes left.

86.

LINDAI wanted to be here earlier, but Ihad a big History test this morning. I skipped the rest of my classes,though.

DAN(joking)

I might have to report you.

LINDAYou do and I'll slip one of thosecards into your pocket.

They laugh, even though the situation isn't funny at all. Good stress relief.

DANSo you've accepted that you CAN cheatfate?

LINDANo, but just in case, I don't wantto fail History. Taking it once isenough.

They enter the--

LIVING ROOM

The pendulum clock now reads 2:30.

BRADOne more minute.

The next minute is torture. Everyone on their last nerve. Nail biting, pacing, frequent glances at the clock. Finally:

The clock reaches 2:31.

Brad exhales a deep breath. He smiles for the first time ina long while.

BRADI made it.

His parents happily embrace him, followed by Linda, thenDan.

BRAD'S MOMNow I can get dinner started.

87.

BRAD'S DADI'll give you a hand.

They go to the kitchen.

LINDAI hate to leave so soon, but my momwill have a fit if I'm one minutelate. She'll worry about her car.

DANI'll see you out.

He pats Brad's back one last time.

DANSee? Fate can be changed IF youdon't try to go it alone.

Brad nods.

Dan and Linda go into the--

HALL

As Dan opens the door, Linda takes an inadvertent glance ather watch. It draws her full attention.

LINDAIt's only 2:29.

Dan looks at his watch. It reads 2:29 as well.

DANShit!

They turn for the--

LIVING ROOM

Brad plops down on the couch. He lays back and sighs happily. He's just cheated death.

His watch reads 2:29.

SLOW MOTION

Wham! A car CRASHES through the wall from the direction ofthe street, full force. The couch is plowed, along withBrad. Wall and ceiling collapse on top of the vehicle.

88.

At the doorway, Dan pulls Linda back out of the way as thedestruction occurs.

END SLOW MOTION

Just as quickly as the accident happened, things calm. Acloud of dust fills the air.

The car, an unconscious MAN (20s) slumped behind the wheel,is a mess. Massive dents, broken parts and glass. A hubcaprolls across the room.

The couch is in pieces, as well as much of the furnishings.

Pinned beneath a front tire is Brad. Facedown, his spine iscrushed. Blood trickles from his mouth, but he's still alive. He lifts his head to look over at--

Dan and Linda, who cower together in the doorway. Lindacries as she plants her face against Dan's jacket.

Brad's head drops to the floor, eyes closed. He's dead.

His parents rush in from the kitchen, having to halt as soonas they reach the mass debris in their way. They spot theirson trapped under the vehicle and freak out.

BRAD'S MOMBrad!

Her husband holds her back. She cries in his arms as hebattles tears of his own.

Brad's magic card floats to the floor next to his body, imageside up. An exact duplicate of the scene we see before us. It disappears.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY

Dan and Linda sit in silence. She just stares out the windowas all hope for her has disappeared.

Dan looks over at her. His heart breaks at the sad sight,but there's nothing he can do.

EXT. LINDA'S HOUSE - DAY

Dan parks in the driveway.

89.

INT. DAN'S CAR - PARKED - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Both sit in silence for a long moment.

DANIs there anything I can do?

Linda feigns a grin as she turns to him. She shakes herhead.

LINDANo.

DANDon't give up, Linda. There has tobe a way.

LINDALook, I really appreciate all you'vetried to do for me and my friends,but this force is just too powerful.I don't have much time so I need totake care of some things before Igo.

Dan glares, completely helpless and this bugs the shit outof him.

LINDAJust let me go, Detective. I'm alost cause.

She gets out of the car.

EXT. LINDA'S HOUSE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda walks to the porch, stops to slowly look back at Dan,his sad eyes glued to her.

Linda opens the front door. Kathy meets her in the doorway.

KATHYLinda...

She looks past Linda to Dan's car. Then her eyes scan aroundthe driveway and the street.

KATHY... where's my car?

90.

LINDAGet off my back.

She brushes past her mom as she enters.

Kathy looks out to Dan, who returns the stare. Lips pursed,Kathy closes the door.

Dan slumps back in his seat. This is killing him. He drivesoff.

EXT. STREET - DAY

A gloomy, rainy day. Looks like it's been raining for days.

A funeral procession moves along, a long line of cars trailingthe hearse.

INT. HEARSE - MOVING - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Brad's parents, dressed in black, sit together. His momcries her heart out. It's all her husband can do to keepfrom breaking down.

INT. LINDA'S BEDROOM - DAY - SAME

Linda sits back on her bed, writing on a pad of paper. Anice breeze flutters the curtains, although it's pouringdown rain outside.

A knock at her closed door, right before it opens. Kathypeers inside.

KATHYLinda...

She enters.

KATHY... aren't you going to Brad'sfuneral?

Linda continues to scribble out notes without looking up.

LINDAUh-uh. I got to finish up some thingsaround here.

91.

KATHY"Got" to? That's no way for astraight A college student to talk.What's happened to you?

LINDAI've grown up a lot in the past week.

Kathy moves to her side, brushes back the hair from her face.

KATHYAre you all right, honey?

LINDAI'm fine, Mom.

Kathy looks at the pad of paper Linda writes on, her browfurrowing.

KATHYWhat are you working on?

LINDAA Will.

KATHYA Will? What on earth for?

LINDAJust to make sure my stuff goes whereI want it to... in case somethinghappens. You get most of my things,of course, but my friends deservesome mementos to remember me by.

KATHYMaybe I should call a professional,someone you can "talk" to.

LINDASure. Whatever.

Kathy hesitates, expecting more than what she got. She movesto the doorway, looks back for a moment at her brokendaughter, then closes the door as she leaves.

Linda continues her work, not breaking stride for a moment.

92.

LATER

Linda stands at her desk, stuffs her Will into an envelopeand seals it. She writes "In the event of my death" on thefront and stuffs it into her top drawer.

She turns to the bed.

There lies a magic card on top of the covers. Ace of Spades.

Linda approaches slowly. All of her bravery she has musteredjust went out the window at the sight of her card.

She stops at the edge of her bed, eyes locked on the card. She chews on her bottom lip as she contemplates.

Finally, Linda reaches out and picks up the card. She holdsher breath, then turns it over.

Frederic's image morphs into Linda. Deep in a body of water,she clutches her throat as mass bubbles rise from her mouth. Drowning.

Linda's eyes close to say a silent prayer. Her watch reads10:37.

INT. DAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Dan arrives from the kitchen, a beer in his hand. He loosenshis tie and plops down on the sofa. Takes a big drink ofhis beer.

His cell phone RINGS. He pulls it out of his pocket.

DAN(into phone)

Yeah?

INT. LINDA'S BEDROOM - DAY - SAME

Linda holds a phone to her ear. In her other hand, shestudies her image on the card.

LINDA(into phone)

I got my card.

Dan straightens. His concern for her is apparent.

93.

DANHow...?

LINDADrowning.

She looks to her window, where a heavy rain pelts it.

LINDAWith all of the recent rain, I findmyself a little worried.

Dan jumps up, sets aside his beer.

DANDon't move. I'll be right there.

He hangs up and rushes out of the house.

INT. LINDA'S BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda lowers the phone. She drops back to her bed, herterrified but curious eyes locked on the card.

INT. LINDA'S DOWNSTAIRS HALL - DAY

Linda opens the door to Dan. The rain has stopped. Dansteps inside.

DANAre you all right?

LINDASo far.

DANI want you to pack an overnight bag.

LINDAWhere are we going?

DANSomewhere away from water.

EXT. BACK ROAD - DAY

Dan's car drives along the windy route in a mountainous area. The sun is out, drying the wet roads.

94.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY - SAME

Linda sits slouched in her seat.

LINDADo you really think this is going towork?

Dan passes her a glance.

DANHow could you drown in the middle ofa big city?

Linda takes a look out at the wooded terrain.

LINDABut I'm sure there's lots of wateraround here.

DANIt's the only way into town. Don'tworry. My car is new and I checkedeverything on it before we left.

Linda's card appears on the dashboard. She sighs, picks upthe card in her hand.

LINDAThis is really getting old.

Dan reaches over and pats her leg.

DANIt's almost over.

Linda gazes at him, a romantic interest brewing.

Dan notices her look. He knows it well. He withdraws hishand from her leg and turns forward.

EXT. BACK ROAD - DAY - CONTINUOUS

An ancient dam hovers above a river. Small amounts of waterslosh over the top from the swollen rainwater the dam holdsback.

95.

INT. DAN'S CAR - MOVING - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Linda notices the dam in the distance as they pass by.

LINDAA dam.

She turns to Dan

LINDAYou don't think...

DANWe'll be miles away from it in notime. Besides...

He looks upward through the windshield at the bright sky.

DAN... the rain has stopped. Lookslike it will be a beautiful day.

The car suddenly dies without warning. No sounds associatedwith it. It coasts to a stop right in the middle of theirlane.

LINDA(worried)

Dan?

Dan tries several times to start the car. It tries to turnover, but fails.

DANIt's okay. Stay put.

Dan pops the hood release.

INT./EXT. DAN'S CAR - STILL - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Dan opens the hood and fiddles with the cables.

DANGive it a try.

Linda turns the ignition. Same old thing.

Dan punches the bottom side of the hood out of frustration.

96.

LATER

A tow truck is hooked up to the rear of Dan's car. The DRIVER(40s) hands Dan a business card. Linda watches from nearby.

DRIVERSounds like your timing belt.

DANThe car's new.

DRIVERYou got a dud. I'll drop it off atthe local garage and have them giveyou a call when they know something...unless of course you'd like to comealong and get a room.

DANWhere's town?

The driver points toward the base of the dam.

DRIVEROver there.

LINDA(dryly)

Figures.

DANIs there any other places aroundhere to stay?

DRIVERThere's cabins all over the area.

He points down the road in the direction Dan had been headingin.

DRIVERI think there's a rental office rightdown there, `bout half a mile.

DANThanks.

DRIVERWant a ride? I'll have to chargeyou an extra 50 bucks.

97.

Dan pulls out his wallet and searches through the few billsinside. Far less than $50.

DANI gave you most of my money for thetow. Linda?

LINDAI didn't bring any with me.

DAN(to driver)

Can't you just bill me? Or whatabout a credit card?

He pulls a credit card from his wallet. Driver waves himoff.

DRIVERDo I look like I have one of thoselittle credit card thingies in mypocket?

Dan returns the card to his wallet and wallet to his pocket.

DANYou can bill me.

DRIVERLook, mister. I don't know you fromAdam. How do I know you won't skipout?

DAN(annoyed)

You have my car!

Linda takes him by the arm.

LINDAIt's okay, Dan. We'll just walk.

Dan forces a reassuring smile.

DRIVERI take it you won't be needin` meanymore.

DANGet lost.

98.

Driver hops into his truck and tows Dan's car down the roadin the direction of the dam.

Dan turns to Linda, finds her staring at the dam with herarms crossed. He places his hands on her shoulders.

DANI won't let anything happen to you.

Linda looks back with a smile. They start their trek downthe road toward the cabins.

EXT. CABIN - NIGHT

Back in the woods off of a dirt road.

INT. CABIN LIVING AREA - NIGHT - SAME

Dan sips a cup of coffee as he watches the local news fromthe couch.

INSERT TV

The weatherman points out a storm system that has moved offto the east. It looks very minor.

WEATHERMANThis unexpected storm system hasdumped several inches of rain insome areas locally. It is losingintensity as it continues to moveeast.

BACK TO SCENE:

Linda enters from a bedroom, robe over her pajamas. Shesits next to Dan and curls her legs under her. Dan turnsdown the TV's volume.

LINDAI really wanted to take a nice hotshower, but I didn't think that wouldbe a good idea under thecircumstances.

Dan looks to the end table, where Linda's magic card nowlies.

99.

DANIt's worse than a stalker.

Linda becomes depressed with the topic and changes it.

LINDAI called my mom. She was ready tocall in the Marines to look for me,but I talked her out of it. I saidI ran off for the night with thisnew female friend at school and Iwould be home tomorrow afternoon.

DANShe didn't believe that, did she?

LINDANo, but hopefully she won't causeany trouble for you.

Both sit back for a moment and listen to the crickets CHIRPINGoutside.

LINDAI keep expecting the rain to startagain.

DANNothing but clear skies for days. I'd like to see how fate's going toget you now.

Linda stares, not amused at all.

DANI don't mean I'd like to SEE it. I'd just like to know how...

Linda continues to stare. Dan gives up the battle.

DANFate's one thing, but the weather issomething else.

LINDASo is a car crashing through someone'sliving room.

DANThe driver was three times legallimit.

100.

LINDAThat doesn't mean it wasn't all justpart of fate's plans for Brad.

The TV picture suddenly goes off, now filled with snow. Danflips through different channels with the same result oneach.

DANSomething must be wrong with thesatellite dish. I'd go check, butI'm afraid I'd fall off the roof inthe dark and break my neck. I'drather stick around with you.

LINDAAnd I'd rather have you here with methan out there with a broken neck.

She lays back her head, very relaxed for the first time in awhile.

LINDAI don't need the TV anyway. I'mexhausted.

Dan turns off the TV. He rests his head next to hers. Theyturn to face each other. Passion builds. They come togetherin a sweet kiss that swells into passion.

INT. CABIN BEDROOM - NIGHT

Together in a series of passionate kisses, Dan leads Lindainside. He removes her robe, allowing it to drop to thefloor.

They lie back on the bed, continuing their intense kissingthat spreads to different parts of their bodies.

EXT. DAM - DAY

The swollen river presses against the gates. A crack in onetrickles water under the tremendous strain. Pieces ofconcrete wash away in the water, allowing more to pour throughthe widening opening.

101.

INT. CABIN LIVING AREA - DAY - SAME

Dressed, Linda leaves a bedroom. She looks around the vacantroom.

LINDADan?

EXT. CABIN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

A bright, sunny morning.

With the use of a ladder propped against the structure, Danworks on the satellite dish on the roof with a screwdriver.

Linda steps out, spots the ladder and follows it upward withher eyes. A big smile on her face:

LINDAGood morning.

Dan smiles back as he works.

DANGood morning. Did you sleep well?

LINDALike a baby. You wore me out.

DANI try.

Linda climbs up a couple of rungs, rests her chin againsther hand as she looks up at Dan.

LINDAWhat are you doing?

DANFixing the dish. Must have beenwindy before we got here.

LINDAWhere did you get the ladder?

DANShed out back.

Linda takes a quick look at her watch.

102.

LINDAKnow what time it is?

DANNo. What time is it?

LINDAOnly ten minutes left.

DANIf we can avoid any complicationsover the next few minutes, we'vemade it.

LINDAAnd I'll owe you a big one.

Dan takes a few moments to stare at her beauty. This is aman falling in love.

INT. DAM'S COMMAND BUILDING - DAY

A lone WORKER monitors different readings on his panels.

WORKER #2 strolls inside.

WORKER #2What's the problem?

WORKERWe're losing pressure. I can't figureout why.

Worker #2 looks over some of the readings.

WORKER #2Could be a leak. I'll take a look.

He leaves the room.

EXT. DAM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

At the base, Worker #2 stands off to the side of the river,binoculars in hand. He scans up the massive walls.

INSERT - BINOCULAR VIEW

A crack spreads across the gate. More and more water runsthrough the opening.

103.

BACK TO SCENE:

Worker #2 lowers the binoculars, panic on his face.

WORKER #2Sweet Jesus.

The whole wall suddenly implodes inward. The held back riverfloods into the valley below with a tremendous force, sweepingaway Worker #2 with it.

INT. DAM'S COMMAND BUILDING - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Worker rushes to a panel and smacks a button that sets offan ALARM. He crosses his heart and prays.

EXT. CABIN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Dan, beads of sweat covering his forehead under the earlysun, finishes making his adjustments on the dish. He wipeshis sweaty brow with the back of his arm.

DANThat should do it.

LINDAIf not?

DANThen I'm going to make you come uphere and fix it.

LINDAFine by me. I won't have to worryabout drowning up there.

Dan smiles at her. An inadvertent look past Linda revealssomething alarming. He stands with urgency.

DANGet up here NOW!

Linda looks back to where he does. The gushing water headstheir way, taking out everything in its path.

Linda gasps. She scurries up the ladder as fast as her legswill go, but she's not fast enough.

104.

The water arrives. Its powerful force sweeps away the ladderat impact. Linda screams. Dan barely catches her by thewrist, the strain pulling him down flat to the roof.

Water rushes against Linda. A good deal strikes her face,making it difficult to breathe.

Her wet skin causes Dan to lose his grip. He adds his freehand to the struggle, just to hold on a little longer.

But his efforts are futile. The cabin is severely damagedfrom the initial impact of the water.

Parts of it cave in, including the roof where Dan lies. Heplops into the water with Linda.

RIVER

Dan hangs onto Linda, too stubborn to let go, even if itkills him. Both swallow large amounts of water.

Dan spots a thick tree limb moving along with them off tothe side.

Keeping one arm around Linda, he swims with his other armtoward the branch. Finally, he throws an arm around thelimb which helps the pair stay afloat--

Until the water takes a dip. The unexpected movement stripsLinda from Dan's hold.

DANNo!

With desperation, he paddles toward Linda. She does herbest to swim toward him.

They reach out to each other, their fingers barely touching. Dan pulls Linda to him and catches her in his arms.

Up ahead, a telephone pole to the side of the water topplesover toward the center. It's going to strike right whereDan and Linda will be in a few short moments.

Dan notices the falling pole.

DANDuck!

He pulls an oblivious Linda with him underneath the water, asplit second before the pole hits with a big splash.

105.

Dan pops up several yards ahead of the floating pole. Hestruggles to pull up Linda, who chokes on water the momentshe emerges.

Another dip in the water and Linda is jarred loose from Dan'sgrasp. This time for good.

The current carries her off toward the bank while Dan remainsfurther out. He paddles his hardest, but fails to make anyreal progress.

RIVERBANK

Linda is swept over to calmer water only a few feet deep. She stands, finally able to breathe without choking.

She takes the welcomed break to catch her breath and resther weary muscles.

A large fallen tree lies next to her, its roots stillpartially embedded into solid ground. It extends many yardsout over the water.

Dan crashes against the tree. The current pins his torso tothe wood while his legs are pushed underneath.

He slips further into the water, little by little. He alreadyinhales a good deal of it splashing his face.

Linda finally shakes off her own trauma and notices Dan'spredicament.

LINDADan!

She steps in his direction.

Dan claws at the tree, but his attempts to hold his groundcontinue to falter.

DANNo!

Linda stops.

DANStay back!

Linda wants so badly to do something. Her indecision isapparent.

106.

Dan slips further under the tree. He becomes snared on asmall branch, the moving water prevents him from freeinghimself.

Soon, he's pulled completely under and held there by thebranch.

Linda makes the most important decision of her life. Shewades out a little closer, takes a deep breath, and divesunderneath.

UNDERWATER

Linda fights against the current as she tries to free Danfrom the limb. He shakes his head at her.

Linda ignores his pleas. It's all she can do to hang on andnot be swept away herself.

Finally, the limb breaks under the pressure Linda exerts onit and Dan comes free.

SURFACE

Dan pops up and gasps for much needed air. It takes a fewbreaths just to fill his lungs fully. On the last breath,he dives back under.

UNDERWATER

Dan searches for Linda. Now limp, she floats away from himin the lesser current on the other side.

Dan swims underneath the tree and catches up to her, takingLinda to the surface with him.

SURFACE

Using one arm, Dan swims over to the bank and lays down Linda. No sign of breathing.

Tears try to come to Dan's eyes, but he manages to standstrong for the woman he cares so much about.

DANLinda!

He presses on her stomach with his fists, over and over.

107.

DANCome on, dammit. Don't leave menow.

He continues his fierce attempt to revive her.

INSERT - LINDA'S WATCH

The minute hand arrives on "12." It's now 10:37.

BACK TO SCENE:

A good deal of water spurts out of Linda's mouth. She chokes,while at the same time, sucks in lots of air.

Dan happily takes her into his arms like he never wants tolet go.

Confused for a moment, Linda suddenly cuddles even closer toher savior.

EXT. CLEARING - DAY

Lots of rescue workers helping flood victims. Emergencyvehicles come and go. Those who have been rescued are givenblankets and hot drinks.

An arm around Linda, Dan walks into the area.

Two RESCUE WORKERS hurry to them with blankets and drape onearound each. They're led to a table of hot drinks and servedsome of the refreshing beverages.

EXT. OLESON HOUSE - DAY

A bulldozing crew takes the structure to the ground. A fairlyeasy task in its weakened condition.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Dan digs a hole, several feet deep, as narrow as he can makeit. The evidence bag with the cards inside lies on theground.

Linda watches, arms crossed.

108.

LINDASure you don't want me to give you ahand?

DANI'm going to be the one to end this.

He carefully picks up the bag without touching the cards inany way and drops it into the hole. He shovels dirt on topof it.

LINDAAre you sure it will be ended?

DANNo, but it's all we can do.

He finishes and stomps down the dirt on top flat.

DANI don't think anyone will be findingit now.

Linda glares at him, a lovestruck look.

LINDADan?

DANYeah?

LINDAI can't thank you enough for whatyou did.

DANHey, YOU saved ME, remember?

LINDAAFTER you saved me.

DANSo we're even.

They come together in a kiss. Afterward, they gaze intoeach other's eyes.

LINDAHow can we be sure no one else touchedthe...

109.

Dan silences her with a kiss. When it ends, Linda has losther train of thought.

DANWe can't be sure, not yet. We'lljust hope.

He slides an arm around Linda. Shovel in his free hand, hewalks with her from the area.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Small, but very fancy. All lights inside are out.

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - HOUSE - NIGHT - SAME

A beautiful skylight stands over the double bed, where thedetective who handed Dan the evidence bag with the cardsinside sleeps peacefully.

A magic card, the 3 of Diamonds, appears on his outstretchedarm. He shifts position and the card flips over.

The image morphs from Frederic to an image of the detective. He lies on his back with shards of glass sticking out of historso. Blood pours from the wounds.

The room quivers with a strong earthquake. The detectivewakens. He looks around him, puzzled at first. Realizationof what takes place hits him.

A CRACKLING sound from above causes him to look up.

The skylight cracks. In a split second, it breaks intoseveral pieces that crash downward.

No time to react. The officer's eyes widen and his mouthdrops open to scream.

The shards of glass penetrate his body in several places andsilence him instantly. Blood spills from the wounds.

The detective, in horrid pain, looks down at his mangledbody in utter shock.

Gurgled pleas for help turn to silence as his head dropsback to the bed. His eyes frozen open. He exhales his lastbreath.

110.

The magic card fades from sight.

EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY

John heads to his car. He opens the door and climbs inside.

INT./EXT. JOHN'S CAR - PARKED - DAY - CONTINUOUS

He adjusts his rearview mirror.

Unnoticed by him, the 4 of Clubs materializes on the passengerseat.

John drives his car out of the lot.

FADE OUT.